Early Cavity Detection
Many dental problems do not cause any pain in the earliest stages. This is especially true of cavities (called caries by dentists) and tooth decay. That is one of the reasons it is particularly important to come to the dentist for your regular check-up and cleaning. Dentists are trained to spot the earliest signs of tooth decay, often in places that the patient can’t easily see.
Why Is Early Cavity Detection Important?
In addition to our eyes, the other essential tool to spot cavities is one of the oldest dental technologies: x-rays. An x-ray of your tooth can help spot cavities in the tight spaces between your teeth. And of course, the earlier a cavity is spotted, the sooner we can take care of it to prevent future decay and protect your tooth.
Treatments for removing tooth decay at the very early stages of a cavity are much less invasive (& less costly) than repairing cavities that are caught later on. Early cavity detection can mean less damage, less pain and less hassle down the road. While preventing decay is always the primary goal, we understand that not everyone has perfect oral health all the time, so early detection and treatment are essential tools for preserving your beautiful smile!
How decay is progressing?
While they may look opaque at a glance, your teeth are actually made from semi-translucent materials. The hard, shiny outside layer is called enamel and the softer, yellower inside material is called dentin. Both materials allow some light to pass through them, though dentin is a bit more opaque than enamel. Cavities start on the enamel and can eventually eat through it and the dentin beneath, exposing your tooth root to decay. Early cavity detection is all about preventing this.