Earliest Detection of a Cavity

The type of cavity that can occur on the chewing surface of the tooth is not visible by viewing x rays and sometimes not detectable visually. Although the advent of fluoride usage in drinking water and toothpastes has been a very effective way of reducing cavities on the smooth surfaces of teeth, the hardening of the outer “shell” of the tooth can reduce the ability to manually detect the smallest cavity in the grooves.

In clean teeth without fillings or sealants, we can use an instrument called a diagnodent to determine where bacteria has broken completely through enamel into the dentin, the classic definition of a ‘cavity.”

The method by which the diagnodent works is simply by noting the difference between the laser light which shines into a groove and the laser light which reflects. Because bacterial by-products absorb certain amounts (wavelengths) of light, when some light is not reflected, this instrument notices, makes a noise and shows a number.

As you may already know or have read, conservation of tooth structure is an office objective, and the diagnodent saves tooth structure by early detection, which can mean the difference between small and large restorations, or even whether a crown may or may not be needed in the future.

Feel free to call our office with further questions or to set up a 10 minute no-charge consultation to discuss your need. You can speak with Tena or Heather at 608-437-5564.