Challenges with use of an intra-oral camera for teledentistry in research and practice

Abstract

Teledentistry, with the use of an intra-oral camera (IOC), can overcome numerous challenges. The visual nature of oral diseases and dental treatments is ideal for practising teledentistry, especially during COVID-19. Images or videos of the oral cavity to evaluate caries, plaque, calculus, tooth wear, fluorosis, and stains can be captured by a trained and calibrated examiner with IOC. The IOC was shown to be a reliable tool to identify common oral diseases. Certain limitations like low illumination can be overcome by using IOC as they are equipped with a light-emitting diode which can offer superior visualisation and inbuilt magnification of the oral cavity. However, there is a possibility of overestimation of the disease. IOC can also be used for patient education through the “show and tell” concept in real-time like showing the areas where the disease may be a concern like plaque, calculus, and early signs of tooth decay. However, it may be challenging to diagnose diseases remotely in real-time and simultaneously seek specialist consultations and recommendations relating to the treatment protocols for numerous conditions. This manuscript reviews the challenges concerning communication, ethics, teamwork, consumables, data storage, and analysis which could be encountered with the use of IOC in this era of teledentistry and COVID-19.