Cavities are difficult to diagnose

However, our dental office now has a diagnostic tool called DIAGNOdent that helps us locate even the smallest amount of tooth decay.

What has Changed in Detecting Dental Cavities?

The widespread use of fluoride has made finding and restoring cavities early in their development more difficult in recent years. Fluoride hardens the outer enamel layer of your teeth, which means decay has a difficult time gaining a foothold. As a result, cavities are typically smaller and can be much harder to diagnose. Before, a dental explorer would catch on the decay, or the cavity would show up on a routine x-ray. Now, however, a small cavity can easily go undetected.

You’ll benefit from our use of DIAGNOdent because it helps us find decay that may have previously gone undetected. By diagnosing dental decay early in its development, we can prevent more extensive damage.

Your dental restorations will be smaller and less costly, and you’ll be able to retain more of your own natural, healthy tooth.