Diagnosing decay (cavities)

The three main ways we diagnose cavities are through the use of x-rays, an instrument called a dental explorer, and in some situation the use of a decay detection laser. We systematically and thoroughly check every surface of your teeth with the dental explorer; it will catch or stick in the spots created by cavities. X-rays are used to find cavities between the teeth where the explorer can't reach. Cavities show up as small dark spots on x-rays. Our decay detection laser is an instrument that shines a laser light into the grooves and surfaces of teeth. It then gives a digital reading that shows whether or not decay is present and how advanced it is. It is an excellent tool to helping our doctors diagnose decay at its earliest stages when it is easiest to fix.

It's far better to catch and restore cavities while they're still small and in the outer enamel layer of the tooth. Once they're in the softer dentin layer, they grow much more rapidly. If they make it to the pulp chamber, we will have a new, more complicated set of problems and restorations to discuss.