Cavities could lead to tooth sensitivity or toothache, and unless treated, could mean the onset of a painful infection or a lost tooth. Our team wants to diagnose them before this causes discomfort, and will do so with advanced laser technology. In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI, dentist talks about the DIAGNOdent system.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
Each of our teeth is coated in a thin but powerful layer of tooth enamel, which protects them from injury and exposure to harmful bacteria. However, when a tooth is cracked or chipped, or the enamel erode due to plaque buildup and poor oral hygiene, this exposes the inner issues to bacteria, and enables a cavity. As the decay grows, the tooth could experience sensitivity and begin to ache, the discomfort growing more severe with time. Which means treatment is crucial for protecting your smile!
The Warning Signs of a Cavity
People with a cavity may report tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks. A toothache could also from, which grows in severity with time. If you encounter discomfort, then please let us know right away. If you attend routine checkup and cleaning visits every six months, then we will likely uncover cavities in their earliest stages of demineralization, long before you ever have to experience painful symptoms!
Diagnosis with DIAGNOdent
The DIAGNOdent system is a small handheld wand that we pass over your teeth. The device emits a laser that not only uncovers cavities, but the earliest stages of demineralization, or the erosion of the enamel. The results also give an accurate assessment of the extent of your decay. We make a diagnosis with accuracy and precision, and start care to keep your teeth strong, healthy, and free of dental infection.
Fillings and More
If we uncover a cavity, we can provide treatment with a filling. The process uses a composite resin material that is metal-free and shaded to blend with your smile. Placement only takes one visit, and you leave with a lifelike restoration that isn’t noticeable to the naked eye. If you have more severe cases of decay, we could cap the tooth with a crown, or remove infected tissues with a root canal before capping it with a crown. Either way, you will be able to smile with confidence once again, and your oral health will be stronger. If you have any questions about how we diagnose the presence of tooth decay and advanced laser dentistry, or about how we treat a cavity, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Dental Technology?
Our team wants to diagnose cavities quickly, offering care before you experience discomfort. For more information on how our team identifies and treats tooth decay, then call the office of James Stewart, DDS in Livonia, MI, today at (734) 425-4400.