Digital Photography Revolutionizes Fort Lauderdale Dentist's Practice

BOCA RATON, FL, November 25, 2011 (Press-News.org) Digital photography has revolutionized the practice of dentistry and Smile South Florida, a Miami and Fort Lauderdale dentistry practice, has felt the impact. Fort Lauderdale dentist, Dr. Charles Nottingham has found his digital photography equipment to be an invaluable part of his practice which helps him identify problems and explain treatment options to patients.

"On the most basic level, the photographs get attached to a patient's file so that the staff can remember what the patients look like and identify them. But it digital photography also serves some important diagnostic and clinical purposes," explains Dr. Nottingham, a Miami cosmetic dentist. "I can use the digital photographs to show the patient -right on the computer screen in the office - precisely what is happening with their teeth. We can manipulate the digital image and demonstrate what the patient's teeth will look like after our treatment. The patients find it extremely valuable to visualize the results of the treatment."

With some dental problems, there are several potential solutions - each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Dr. Nottingham can show digital photographs which demonstrate how other patients responded to similar treatments. "Patients are far more comfortable when they can look at images," explains Fort Lauderdale dentist Dr. Nottingham. "You're no longer asking them to make a decision with limited information; they have a much better idea of what they're signing on for."

Digital photography is also a fast, easy, and very accurate way to document treatment. Dentists can take before and after pictures so that records will accurately reflect the care the dentist has given.

Smile South Florida uses a Canon 60 D camera with twin flash and a macro lens. The 60 D is a popular camera for digital dental photography since it can instantaneously convert RAW images in-camera into JPEGs that can be displayed on the computer screen. The macro lens and flash allow the dentist to get crisp, detailed images of the inside of the mouth, even zooming in for a close up shot of a single tooth. The Canon and its accessories allow for even lighting, accurate color, and no shadows - factors that are very important in designing a diagnosis and treatment.

Dentists can also use digital images to enhance their practice. They can record the results of various treatments and evaluate the efficacy of different clinical options. Digital photography is also invaluable for doing studies and documenting the results of treatments, so it contributes to dental research and education.

Learn More:

To learn more about Smile South Florida, visit www.smilesouthflorida.com or call (954) 721-6950 to speak with a team member to learn more about Smile South Florida's free consultations.

About Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry

The cosmetic dentists at Smile South Florida Cosmetic Dentistry have offices in Broward County and West Palm Beach and provide Boca Raton Dentistry, Fort Lauderdale Dentistry and Miami Dentistry. They specialize in dental aesthetics including porcelain veneers, dental implants, extreme makeovers, Invisalign, and sedation dentistry.