If you are feeling ill and are suffering from tooth pain, then a virtual consultation is a great alternative to an in-person visit. However, depending on your condition, the dentist may require an in-person consultation following the virtual session. Therefore, it is helpful for people to be familiar with what teledentistry is and how the visit works, so they can determine if it is right for them.
How teledentistry can diagnose conditions
One of the main reasons that dentists offer teledentistry is to give patients the ability to receive a diagnosis for oral health concerns. The following is an overview of teledentistry, including what it is, how it can be used to diagnose oral health concerns and when to consider a teledentistry visit with your dentist.
What is teledentistry?
Teledentistry is a way of offering dental checkups and diagnostic visits to dental patients through the use of technology and online platforms. Every dentist uses teledentistry in their own way, which may include diagnosing symptoms, offering virtual consultations to prospective patients and checking up on the oral health status of their current patients. Many patients find it to be more convenient, as they can have a visit in the comfort of their homes.
What can teledentistry diagnose?
Dentists can use teledentistry to diagnose a range of oral health concerns. During the appointment, the dentist will discuss any symptoms that the patient is having and use their previous dental history to determine the most likely diagnosis. Oral health concerns that a dentist may be able to diagnose through teledentistry include:
- Weakened enamel
- Dental cavities
- Gum disease
- Oral infection
- Damaged teeth
Of course, a few of these concerns may also require an in-person visit to confirm the diagnosis, but patients can still get a clear idea of the status of their oral health through teledentistry.
When to consider teledentistry
Teledentistry is a good idea for anyone who has symptoms of an oral health concern. These include but are not limited to:
- Chronic or severe toothache
- Pain and swelling in gums
- Gum bleeding and recession
- Tooth sensitivity or numbness
- Loose or damaged teeth
During a teledentistry visit, the dentist will discuss the symptoms with the patient and provide ways to manage minor symptoms at home until they can come into the office. For severe symptoms, the dentist may recommend emergency dentistry.
What to expect during your teledentistry visit
Most teledentistry visits begin with a simple and easy discussion of the symptoms that the patient is experiencing. From there, the dentist may recommend ways to deal with the concern at home or to come into the office if the patient requires emergency dentistry. The dentist can also provide insights into how to keep good dental health through proper oral hygiene at home.
Talk to a dentist about teledentistry
If you are interested in scheduling a teledentistry visit, then reach out to our friendly dental team today via phone or email. We are here to help people get the dental care they need.
Are you considering teledentistry in the Tucson, AZ area? Get more information at Smile Reflections.
