Intraoral cameras explained: seeing your own teeth up close

If you've heard your dentist mention an intraoral camera, here's what it is and why we use one at Morgan Heights Dental Centre.

What is an intraoral camera?

It's a small, pen-sized camera that takes close-up pictures inside your mouth. The images appear on a screen right away, so you can see what we see.

How it works during your visit

Your dentist or hygienist gently moves the camera around your teeth and gums. It doesn't hurt, and it only takes a few minutes. Most patients find it more comfortable than they expected.

Why it helps

• Clearer conversations. Instead of picturing a cracked filling or worn edge, you can look at it yourself.
• Easier decisions. Photos make it simpler to understand options and ask questions.
• A record over time. Images can be compared at later visits to see whether anything has changed.
• Less jargon. A picture often explains what a technical term can't.

Is it a replacement for X-rays?

No. The camera shows the surfaces you can see, while X-rays show what's beneath, like between teeth or around roots. Your dentist uses each when it's helpful, and X-rays are taken only as needed.

Part of a wider approach

The camera is one of several tools we use to keep care clear and comfortable. Learn more about our dental technology, or see how it fits into a first visit.

Questions about what we use? Ask at your appointment, or call 604-535-8835.