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Diagnodent

Microscopes

Cerec 3D

Lasers

Digital X-Rays

Sterilization

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Finding Decay - Before it Becomes a Problem

Have you ever wondered why you “didn’t have cavities” at your last dental visit, and now all of a sudden you “do” . Well, the truth is that you most likely did have cavities back then, a tooth doesn’t get decay overnight, it was just undetectable with a mirror, explorer and x-rays. Decay is a progressive change that happens over time and it can be monitored with the use of a Diagnodent. This device emits a safe red laser light and then senses and reports the amount of light that returns as a result of phosphorescing proteins present in the decay. A tooth with no decay has little to no light reflected and a low numeric reading. A reading over 30 indicates definite decay and eventhough it cannot yet be detected with an explorer or through the aid of an x-ray, it should be treated right away befor the problem gets worseits that you actually did. Our goal is to treat monitor your teeth and treat cavities early – before it becomes a problem.

One of the most important things we do for our patients is to identify the cavities present in their teeth and then to remove that cavity and restor the tooth woth a filling or other material. Since any spot of decay can threaten the integrity of an entire tooth, this is key to preventing a host of future problems. But many times the cavity starts deep down in the groove of the tooth, oftentimes 1 ˝ - 2mm from the visible surface. It is only after a significant amount of tooth structure is destroyed that the cavity becomes discolored and clinically visible and or detectable with the tip of an explorer, In Fact such methods of decay detection are only 30% to 60% successful: cavities can hide along fissure lines, or inside biting or occlusal surfaces for a long time before they are finally detected. You can only see what is discolored or lies at or very near the tooth surface.

 

 
(707) 446-2036      290 Alamo Drive Suite A      Vacaville   CA   95688