Seeing what the naked eye can miss
Early dental problems are often invisible. A thin layer of bacterial plaque looks the same colour as the tooth beneath it. A cavity can begin under the surface of the enamel before any dark spot appears. Fine cracks hide in the grooves of back teeth. By the time these problems are obvious, treatment may be bigger than it needed to be.
The Q-ray intraoral camera is designed to bring these issues into view earlier.
How does the Q-ray camera work?
The camera is about the size of a thick pen. As it moves around the mouth, it illuminates the teeth with light at a specific wavelength. Under this light, mature plaque biofilm can appear in a distinct colour, while areas of early demineralisation, where minerals are being lost from the enamel, show up differently from healthy tooth structure. Cracks and the edges of old fillings also become easier to inspect.
Images appear immediately on a screen beside the chair.
How is it used at E&D Dental?
Routine check-ups
During check-ups and oral exams, the camera supports the dentist's visual examination and helps spot areas worth watching.
Early cavity detection
Catching decay while it is small can mean a simple tooth-coloured filling instead of a larger restoration. In some cases, very early demineralisation can be monitored and managed with fluoride rather than drilled.
Cracks
Patients with sharp pain on biting may have a cracked tooth. The camera can help locate cracks and assess their extent on the surface.
Hygiene coaching
Seeing glowing plaque on your own teeth is far more convincing than being told to brush better. We use the images to show exactly which areas need attention. Children in particular often respond well to this.
Why patient-facing images matter
One of the clinic's founding principles is clear explanation: you should understand why a treatment is recommended and whether it must be done now. Images of your own teeth make that conversation concrete. If the dentist suggests treating a tooth, you can see the reason. If the recommendation is to monitor, you can see what will be watched.
Limitations
The Q-ray camera examines visible tooth surfaces. It does not show decay between teeth as clearly as an X-ray, nor what is happening inside the root or bone. It is one tool among several, used alongside clinical examination and, where needed, radiographs.
How often is it used?
For most adults, the camera is part of the regular check-up. Patients with a higher risk of decay, such as those with dry mouth, many existing fillings or orthodontic appliances, may benefit from closer monitoring, and comparing images from one visit to the next helps show whether early changes are stable.
What patients notice
- No radiation is involved.
- It is quick and comfortable.
- Images are shown and explained during the visit.
Book a check-up
A Q-ray examination is part of how we look after teeth in Sanbon. Contact the clinic or see the full list of equipment.