Intraoral refers to and can describe anything inside the mouth. In dentistry, this relates to almost every procedure. Dentistry has come a long way, and new intraoral technology makes both routine dental work and complex procedures more effective.
At ProDENT, our experts understand how state-of-the-art intraoral cameras in dentistry can improve the quality of care. Here’s our guide to the meaning of intraoral in dentistry.
Key Takeaways
- “Intraoral” is defined as inside the mouth.
- “Intraoral” and “oral” have different meanings: Intraoral means inside the mouth, whereas the oral refers to both inside and outside the mouth.
- In dentistry, new intraoral technology makes complex procedures easier.
What does Intraoral Mean?
The word “intraoral” refers to anything that’s happening or being performed inside the mouth. In literal terms, the definition is “within the mouth”.
The term comes from the Latin words “intra” meaning “within” and “ōs” meaning “mouth.” It was first used in the 1880s, and these days it’s often used in medical and dental contexts to talk about procedures or conditions happening inside the patient’s oral cavity.
What’s the Difference Between Intraoral vs. Oral?
“Intraoral” is used specifically to refer to procedures, examinations, or conditions happening inside the mouth. On the other hand, the word “oral” is a broader term that covers the entire mouth area, including both inside and outside.
They are used slightly differently, too. “Intraoral” is more typically used in technical or medical contexts, especially in dentistry. In contrast, “oral” can refer to more general topics like oral hygiene or oral care products.
Intraoral Applications in Dentistry
Intraoral applications in dentistry include intraoral scanners, intraoral cameras, and intraoral X-rays. Most of the time, intraoral conditions and issues are dealt with by dentists, not doctors. It makes sense then that most intraoral procedures and equipment are found in dentistry environments. Here’s an overview of intraoral applications in the dentistry field.
Intraoral Scanners
Intraoral scanners enable digital workflows, rather than the old-school manual way of doing things. These devices capture precise, detailed 3D models of teeth and soft tissues using lasers or other light sources. This data is then turned into detailed imagery using high-tech software. Such detailed images are helpful for various intraoral procedures.
Scanners like the iTero and 3Shape TRIOS have become industry standards, because they are high-speed, reduce chair time for patients, detect “invisible” issues, and improve diagnostics.
Intraoral Cameras
Intraoral cameras are simply what they sound like — cameras that take high-quality images of your mouth, including the teeth and gums, depending on what’s needed. These cameras provide a clear, magnified view of structures in the mouth, which are ideal for showing patients real-time images of their teeth and gums to help explain what the dentist is talking about. Intraoral cameras, just like the cameras we sell at ProDENT, can also help dentists diagnose problems like cracks and cavities that may be difficult to detect during normal visual examinations.
Intraoral X-rays
Intraoral X-rays provide detailed images of individual teeth and surrounding structures. Their detail makes them ideal for early detection of dental issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth.
Modern digital X-ray technology has many advantages over traditional film X-rays. Firstly, they are much safer as they have significantly less radiation. Plus, there’s no need to wait a long time to access the image, as it’s available immediately. The images are also better quality than traditional X-rays, so it’s easier to detect anomalies.
Intraoral Procedures and Treatments
Intraoral procedures include both diagnostic procedures and treatment procedures. Here are some of the most common ones.
| Intraoral Diagnostic Procedures | Common Intraoral Treatments |
|---|---|
| Oral health assessments | Fillings |
| Intraoral cancer detection | Dental implants |
| Early detection of gum disease, cavities | Crowns, bridges, root canals |
Diagnostic Procedures
Comprehensive Oral Health Assessments: Dentists use intraoral tools, like digital scanners and intraoral cameras, to provide detailed assessments of your teeth and soft tissues. These tools help with early detection of gum disease, cavities, and other oral issues, and they often provide a more accurate diagnosis than traditional methods.
Intraoral Cancer Detection: Visual and tactile exams aren’t always enough to detect oral cancer. Advanced intraoral tools are often used to pick up on suspicious signs that aren’t visible to the naked eye. This kind of detailed assessment can help detect cancer early and give you the best chance of success.
Common Treatments
Intraoral treatments include both restorative and preventative dental care designed to improve and maintain oral health. Key treatments include:
- Fillings: Cavities are treated with composite fillings to restore the tooth’s structure and function. Dentists may use intraoral cameras or lasers to precisely identify and clean out decayed areas before placing the filling.
- Dental Implants: These involve placing a metal screw (implant) into the jawbone, which acts as a root for an artificial tooth. Implants are paired with abutments, which support the prosthetic tooth or bridge.
- Restorative Procedures: Other common intraoral treatments include crowns, bridges, and root canals. These procedures can restore damaged teeth to their full function and appearance.
Importance of Intraoral Techniques in Modern Dentistry
Intraoral techniques play an important role in the quality of modern dental care. They allow dentists to offer better care to their patients by providing more accurate diagnoses and more precise treatment.
| Benefit | Reason |
|---|---|
| Improved Accuracy | Highly detailed, close-up 3D images allow for easier diagnosis and more effective treatment outcomes. |
| Patient Education | Real-time visuals help you engage and become more invested in your own oral health journey. |
| Less Invasive Procedures | New technology allows dentists to treat only the problem area, with as little invasiveness as possible. |
Improved Accuracy
The most notable improvement of modern intraoral care is that it’s much more accurate than older techniques. Dentists can make much more accurate diagnoses with fewer errors thanks to highly detailed 3D images.
This also means that treatment outcomes improve, and you spend less time in the chair overall. Custom-fit devices are also made to be much more precise than before, improving long-term comfort and functionality.
Patient Education
Dentists can use intraoral imaging to help patients understand what’s happening with their own oral health. These real-time visuals can help dentists explain oral issues and show why their chosen treatment options are a good idea.
This helps to promote better your engagement and give you a chance to make more informed decisions. It’s also an excellent way to provide you with valuable feedback throughout the treatment process, keeping you informed and helping you see the progress.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Intraoral techniques are also less invasive than some traditional methods. Modern technology allows dentists to only remove or treat the parts of a tooth that are damaged or decayed, giving the best chance of the tooth being saved and adjacent teeth being spared from damage.
These streamlined techniques also reduce post-op pain, so recovery happens faster and with less need for pain medication. Thanks to their preciseness, they also reduce the need for you to visit multiple times.
Define Intraoral FAQs
Are intraoral X-rays safe?
Yes, intraoral X-rays are safe. Modern digital X-ray systems emit much less radiation compared to traditional film-based X-rays, so there’s no risk. The same is true for intraoral cameras — at ProDENT, we make sure our cameras are safe and risk-free.
What dental procedures commonly involve intraoral techniques?
Common procedures include fillings, crowns, bridges, dental implants, and root canals. Intraoral scanners and cameras are used throughout these treatments to improve accuracy and patient comfort.
What are the benefits of using intraoral scanners over traditional impressions?
Intraoral scanners offer increased accuracy, faster procedures, and improved patient satisfaction. Unlike traditional methods, which can be messy and uncomfortable, digital scans are quicker and reduce the margin of error in dental restorations such as crowns and bridges.
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