PERSPECTIVES ON DIGITAL DENTISTRY

digital_dentistryesra_kulkapak

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND IMAGING TECHNIQUES

Funda Bayındır1
Özge Eroğlu2

1Atatürk University, Faculty Dentistry, Department of Prosthodontics, Erzurum, Türkiye
2Atatürk University, Faculty Dentistry, Department of Prosthodontics, Erzurum, Türkiye

Bayındır F, Eroğlu Ö. Digital Photography and Imaging Techniques. In: Kul E, editor. Perspectives on Digital Dentistry. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.117129.

ABSTRACT

Dental photography has evolved into a critical component of modern dental practice, serving not only as documentation but also as an essential communication and diagnostic tool. Today, digital camer as, most notably DSlR and mirrorless systems, offer interchangeable lenses that enable both macro and intraoral photography. Auxiliary devices such as retractors, mirrors, and contrast plates facilitate clear visualization of the teeth and surrounding tissues. Clinicians can capture detailed images of tooth morphology, color, and texture when combined with specialized lighting, including ring and twin flash es. Standardized clinical images have multiple applications. They enhance the diagnosis and treatment planning, allowing for beforeandafter comparisons, patient education, and forensic documentation. legal considerations underscore the importance of obtaining patients’ consent and ensuring confiden tiality. In a laboratory setting, accurate color and shape documentation through photographs can guide the fabrication of aesthetic restorations and reduce potential errors. Clinical photography serves as a valuable educational resource, enriching training programs for new graduates and fortering peer col laboration. Smartphone cameras, despite their limitations such as smaller sensors and fixed lenses, are increasingly utilized for quick intraoral images, particularly when convenience and accessibility are paramount. However, highfidelity images generally require robust equipment, DSlR, or mirrorless cameras with macrolenses and appropriate flashes to ensure an optimal clarity and depth of field. By integrating correct techniques and supportive accessories, dental professionals can consistently produce standardized, highquality images that enhance patient engagement, support effective treatment plan ning, and ultimately, elevate the overall quality of dental care.

Keywords: Photography; Dental; Intraoral; Digital technology; Records; Digital; Analogdigital conversion

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