The only effective visual aid in dentistry is dental photography. Real images are used to explain complex issues to the patient, to monitor the progress of treatment, to evaluate the result and to visualize expectations. Different dental photography techniques are used for different purposes. A wide range of techniques makes it easier for dentists and nurses to automatically adjust to the specific case.
Benefits of dental photography dental work
A dentist’s job is to care for teeth and the oral cavity, but applying the basics of photography to the job will help to hone skills and share experiences with colleagues. Understanding basic photography skills opens up a number of benefits:
A trusting relationship with the patient. Demonstration allows you to visually explain the specifics of treatment to the client and shows a clear difference between “before” and “after.” Frames in the process of working on the patient’s teeth will show him the effectiveness of treatment and the importance of preventive procedures.
Communication with coworkers while working on a single patient. Photos of the maxillofacial region help to record the intermediate result, predict expectations. Visual material complements discussions between specialists from different areas of dentistry.
Work Archive. Dental footage will make up the history of treatment of a particular patient and the doctor’s own portfolio.
Advertising and self-improvement. Photos of successful treatment and different medical cases will make a name for the specialist.
How to choose equipment?
Two factors influence the quality of the pictures: photography skills and the right equipment for taking pictures. In order to get the best possible photo of your tooth, you should opt for a single-lens reflex camera. Such a device provides a detachable lens, flash and tripod if necessary.
Digital cameras have a detachable or non-removable lens and flash, but significantly reduce the quality of macro photography – shooting objects close-up. Another disadvantage of a digital camera in dental photography is distorted color reproduction, which makes the images unusable.
The ideal option is a DSLR camera with an additional lens. Such a camera for a dentist is easy to use and reliable. The brand of the camera is not fundamental, but it is better to make a choice in favor of well-known proven manufacturers, such as Sony or Canon.
Cameras for shooting in the dental clinic, it is important to equip with highly specialized equipment:
- Flash: ring, bipolar;
- Softboxes for even distribution of light when shooting;
- If you use the regular light of the camera it is better to buy a diffuser;
- Tripod – optional;
- Lens;
- Polarizing filter to prevent flare.
The focal length of the ideal lens for the dentist is 100 mm with the possibility of internal focusing. The manufacturer marks on the template 105 mm f/2.8 – such cameras will provide the most qualitative transfer of the picture to the matrix.
The use of a flash in dental photography is mandatory. The standard camera flash will make the photo backlit, with darkened areas. In order for the shots to be professional and informative, it is better to get an additional flash or diffuser. Camera accessories, like other tools of the dental office, have their own peculiarities.
A detachable ring LED flash will allow you to favorably show the topography and texture of the tooth surface. Such a tool does not go out immediately, but continues to illuminate the cavity for a few seconds. You can choose options with a dual flash and additional reflectors for cheek teeth.