The Role of Intra-oral Photography in Dental Patients’ Acceptance of Treatment Plans

Objectives

Discuss how dental photography, also known as intra-oral photography, can affect patient acceptance of treatment plans.

Methods

A specific collection of available selection of literature was used to produce a reliable literature review. The articles selected were selected at most five years old. This review included a peer review to produce original research on the role of intra-oral photography in the treatment plan's acceptance. Many articles were not included due to being older than five years, literature reviews, or meta-analyses. The research concluded using concepts, keywords, and mesh terms.

Results

Some studies concluded that intra-oral photography can be effective in dental treatment, OHI, communication with the patient, exams, post-operative, and future restorative work. Research showed that intra-oral photography can increase patient care by increasing flossing and toothbrushing habits as well as correspond with decreased probing depths and bleeding on probing. Overall, research suggests that intra-oral photography can be beneficial when it comes to patient acceptance of treatment.

Conclusion

Even though dental photography is not implemented enough, the studies concluded that it could be effective in dental treatment, OHI, communication with the patient, exams, post-operative, and future restorative work. The review of the literature indicated that intra-oral photography could increase at home patient care by increasing flossing and toothbrushing habits and can correspond with decreased probing depths and bleeding on probing.3 Overall, the research suggests that intra-oral photography can be beneficial when it comes to patient acceptance of treatment plans. This research can be broadened by implementing intraoral photography in more clinics, providing more evidence on how it can improve a patient's oral health.

Implications

Intra-oral photos allow patients to visualize their oral conditions and smile with the same perception as the dentist or clinician.5 The research suggests that intra-oral photography can be beneficial when it comes to patient acceptance of treatment plans.