Explain to the patient that your practice uses an intraoral camera. Show how the camera works and prepare to document each diagnosis you will be explaining to the patient.
Take photos of the areas of the gums during the periodontal examination to show swelling, infection or recession. IOCs are instrumental in selling cosmetic dentistry because they enable you to show the patient what a specific condition looks like up close in bright light.
Take photos of stains and caries to present as “before” shots. These photographs not only benefit the patient, but also serve as good documentation for patient files. In some cases, photographs can make the difference between the acceptance or denial of an insurance payment, and they can always complement patient X-rays when billing insurance companies.
Examine the oral cavity for any precautionary symptoms that may indicate a health risk and document through photos. Take photographic evidence of all possible symptoms that may be early clinical indications of oral cancer, kidney disease, bulimia, or other diseases that present in the oral cavity. Periodontal disease, which is usually painless in the beginning, can be clearly shown through the use of an IOC.
Converse with the patient regarding your diagnoses, and back up each diagnosis with a photo explaining to the patient how you reached your conclusion. Explain what may happen if the condition is left untreated. Having a collection of photographs of advanced conditions and what they look like can be extremely effective in case acceptance.
Print out some of the photos for the patient to take home, especially of the urgent conditions needing treatment. Print out other photos for your patient files, and store them safely. IOC images can be used later to show progression, and can help you monitor certain conditions in the mouth. If any of the conditions indicate a medical problem, consult a physician to see if further examination is warranted.
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