See the same close-up view the dental team is discussing.

A useful communication tool—not an X-ray replacement.

An intraoral camera is a slim, handheld camera designed to photograph teeth, gums, and other visible areas inside the mouth. The images appear on a nearby screen and can be enlarged so a crack, worn restoration, area of buildup, or another visible change is easier to discuss.

Because the camera uses visible light rather than ionizing radiation, taking a photograph does not expose you to X-rays. It cannot show structures hidden inside a tooth or bone, so radiographs or other tests may still be needed when the clinical question extends below the visible surface.

How the images may be used

• Reviewing a tooth, filling, crown, or area of gum tissue with you
• Recording the appearance of a condition before and after treatment
• Supporting a referral or consultation with another dental provider
• Showing areas where a change in home care may be helpful

What the visit feels like

The camera is covered with a protective barrier and moved carefully around the mouth. Individual images can be paused and enlarged while the dentist or hygienist explains what is visible and why it matters.

A photograph alone does not establish a diagnosis. It is interpreted together with your symptoms, examination, health history, and any other diagnostic information that is needed.