Teledentistry has become more popular since the COVID-19 lockdown in the United States. Teledentistry offers a way for dentists to continue providing dental checkups and for patients to receive a diagnosis for any oral health concerns.
Although many have heard of teledentistry, most are familiar with what it is. Those who could benefit from it often avoid a visit because they are afraid that they do not have the necessary equipment or are not a good candidate. It is helpful to understand the basics of teledentistry so you can make an informed decision about whether it is a good idea to schedule an appointment.
Teledentistry involves diagnosing and educating dental patients through virtual services. Most teledentistry appointments take place through telecommunications applications such as Skype. The visit generally involves discussing symptoms with the dentist, possibly taking photos of the inside of the mouth and learning about ways to keep good oral hygiene until a safe and convenient time can be scheduled for an in-office visit.
The necessary equipment needed for a teledentistry appointment varies depending on the dentist and the purpose of the appointment. However, most dentists only require the patient to have a laptop, tablet or desktop computer with working audio and video and a camera. A smartphone camera is often enough for patients during a teledentistry appointment. Be sure to ask the dentist about what is required before the day of the visit.
Dentists can diagnose patients through teledentistry. While some concerns, such as an impacted tooth, might be harder to determine through a virtual visit, many common issues can be detected during the appointment. These include tooth decay, worn enamel, gum disease, periodontitis, gum recession, the effects of grinding teeth, chips, cracks and signs that indicate an oral infection is likely. If the dentist determines that the patient has a dental emergency, then they may arrange a time for the patient to come into the office for emergency dentistry treatment.
Anyone who is concerned with their oral health due to minor symptoms that do not pose an immediate risk to their long-term oral health should consider the benefits of a teledentistry visit, especially if the person prefers to stay at home due to an illness. With that said, many dentists also recommend teledentistry appointments for patients who are in good oral health but are due for a checkup visit. To find out if you should schedule a teledentistry visit, get in touch with your local dentist.
Teledentistry has helped many get the dental advice and treatment without having to make changes to their schedule. If you are interested in scheduling a virtual visit or have more questions about teledentistry, then reach out to our friendly dental team today via phone or email for more information.
Are you considering teledentistry in the Kernan Family Dental area? Get more information at Kernan Family Dental.
Teledentistry is becoming a popular resource for those who are stuck at home with dental concerns. With more services becoming virtual, teledentistry is becoming a more popular option for dental care, consultations, and even educational services. For those who have a hard time of driving out to a dental office, teledentistry will likely remain a…
Continuing developments in mobile technology have made teledentistry an option for many patients. With this relatively new approach to oral health, people can connect with a dental professional when visiting in person is not a viable or wise choice. Locations that offer this option can instruct patients on what is needed to perform a virtual…
Teledentistry has become increasingly popular as the COVID-19 pandemic forced many healthcare providers in the U.S. to limit their services. As a result, teledentistry is becoming a standard first step before a dentist is seen for an in-person visit.A growing number of dentists now recommend teledentistry, and many are implementing it into their practices. Patients…
If your dentures don't fit anymore or have some missing teeth, you need a denture reline to make them fit and look good again. Denture relining is the best option if you have weak or damaged teeth that cannot be used as anchors to retain your dentures. If you have natural teeth, the dentist will…
A dental crown is used to restore teeth that are in bad shape. Oftentimes, they are needed for teeth that have become cracked, chipped or broken. Additionally, general dentists recommend them for teeth that have severely decayed due to an infection. While they are one of the most common dental restorations, many wonder how long…