At Anchor Dental in West Portal, San Francisco, we use intraoral photographs to capture detailed images of your teeth and gums. These high-resolution photos help us track changes over time, explain treatment needs clearly, and document conditions that may not be visible on X-rays alone. Intraoral imaging is quick, comfortable, and an important part of accurate diagnosis and personalized care.
High-resolution imaging for accurate diagnosis and clear communication
At Anchor Dental in West Portal, San Francisco, we use intraoral photographs as an essential part of every thorough dental exam.
These high-resolution images allow us to capture detailed views of your teeth, gums, fillings, and restorations — far beyond what traditional mirrors can show. Intraoral photos help us diagnose issues earlier, explain findings clearly, and track changes over time, giving you a transparent and complete understanding of your oral health.
What are intraoral photographs?
Intraoral photographs are close-up digital images taken inside the mouth using a small, high-quality camera.
They show:
- Cracks or chips
- Wear on enamel
- Early cavities
- Gum recession
- Old or damaged fillings
- Crowns or restorations that may need repair
- Plaque buildup or inflammation
These images are displayed instantly on a screen so you can see exactly what we see.
Why we use intraoral photos at Anchor Dental
✔ Clearer diagnosis
Many early dental issues — tiny cracks, early decay, small fractures — are difficult to see in mirrors alone.
Intraoral photos magnify these areas, allowing for precise diagnosis.
✔ Better communication
We believe dentistry should never feel confusing.
Photos give you a clear visual explanation so you understand what’s happening before making decisions.
✔ Monitoring changes over time
We store your images and compare them at future visits to monitor any changes in enamel, gums, and restorations.
✔ Insurance documentation
Clear photos help support insurance claims for treatments such as fillings, crowns, or periodontal care.
✔ Transparency
You see the same evidence we do — no guesswork, no surprises.
How intraoral photographs work
The process is simple and painless:
1. Positioning
A small, handheld digital camera is placed inside your mouth. It’s the size of a toothbrush head and comfortable to use.
2. Image capture
We take a series of close-up photos of your teeth, gums, fillings, and bite surfaces.
3. Instant display
The images appear immediately on the monitor in front of you.
4. Explanation and treatment planning
We walk you through what we see — healthy areas, early concerns, and anything that may need attention.
5. Storage for future comparison
The images are saved securely in your record, so we can review changes at future appointments.
The whole process takes less than two minutes.
What intraoral photos help detect
- Small cracks before they become fractures
- Areas of wear from grinding or clenching
- Early cavities between or around old fillings
- Leaking or failing restorations
- Gum recession and root exposure
- Signs of inflammation or gum disease
- Hyperkeratosis or tissue irritation from habits
- Food traps or plaque retention points
By catching these early, we can plan simple preventive treatments instead of complex repair work later.
How intraoral photos support better care
1. More accurate treatment decisions
Seeing the problem clearly helps us choose the most conservative solution — whether that’s bonding, a small filling, or monitoring an area over time.
2. Better patient confidence
You see exactly why a treatment is recommended.
There’s no uncertainty or “just trust us.”
3. Better long-term outcomes
With visual tracking, we can spot subtle changes much sooner — protecting teeth before bigger issues develop.
Intraoral photography vs. X-rays
Both tools play different roles in diagnosis:
|
Intraoral Photos
|
X-rays
|
|
Show cracks, chips, and surface details
|
Show cavities between teeth
|
|
Display gums and soft tissue
|
Reveal infection or bone issues
|
|
Useful for monitoring wear and restorations
|
Detect deeper decay not visible outside
|
|
Great for communication
|
Great for structural evaluation
|
Together, they provide the most complete picture of your oral health.
Why San Francisco patients appreciate intraoral photos
Patients often tell us that seeing their teeth on screen helps them feel more engaged and informed in their dental care. Many people are visual learners and when they see the actual condition of a tooth, they feel more confident and comfortable with treatment decisions. It also helps busy professionals track changes over time, especially when managing grinding, aging restorations, or dietary effects from coffee and acidic foods common in the city.
Common questions
Are intraoral photos painful?
No — the camera is small, smooth, and easy to position.
How long does it take?
Usually under two minutes for a complete set.
Do the photos replace X-rays?
Not at all. They complement X-rays but do not replace them.
Photos show surface detail; X-rays show internal structures.
Are the images safe to store?
Yes — they are saved securely in your digital dental record.
Can these photos detect cavities?
They show early surface color changes, cracks, and wear. X-rays confirm deeper decay.
Why patients choose Anchor Dental
- High-resolution imaging for early, accurate detection
- Transparent communication — you see what we see
- Comfortable, quick process
- Ideal for documenting restorative needs
- Advanced technology combined with a patient-centered approach
Under the guidance of Dr. Esra Salihoglu Yener, DDS, PhD, you receive clear explanations and conservative, evidence-based recommendations.
Schedule your exam with intraoral photographs in San Francisco
If you want dental care that’s transparent, modern, and easy to understand, intraoral photos are a simple but powerful part of the process.
