Sugar causes caries
We can’t emphasise enough the importance of early-recognition and prevention. Cavity diagnostics refers to various examination methods for diagnosing cavities with the aim of spotting cavity formation as early as possible i.e. before the onset of visible damage (holes) or pain.
We make use of various diagnostic methods, often in combination:
- Oral cavity examination
- Digital intraoral camera
- Digital x-ray diagnostics
- Transillumination (the teeth are illuminated with a strong light source)
- Cavity-detecting chemical dyes
- Cavity-risk diagnostics
Cavity diagnostics with state of the art technology
The latest addition to Dr. Pink & Dr. Lutzenberger’s dental practice is a high-resolution, intraoral camera which recognises cavity-causing bacteria in the tooth’s enamel using infrared and fluorescent light. The new intraoral camera has two interchangeable heads which perform different functions.
The proof head is fitted with a fluorescent light, which makes plaque and cavities on the chewing surface visible without colouring agents. The dentist and patient view the carious zones as colourful patches on the monitor. A particular advantage of the camera is that it can also measure cavity depth providing a numerical value. This information allows the tooth to be treated accordingly and a suitable, customised prosthesis planned.
The proxi head enables early, non-invasive diagnosis of cavities in interdental areas i.e. in the gaps between the teeth, using infrared technology and without x-rays. This information is particularly important for adult patients as cavities generally form in the spaces between the teeth and not on the chewing surfaces.
Find out more in the digital intraoral camera page.
Treating cavities
Teeth that are already damaged by cavities can be treated gently with aesthetically-pleasing results. More on this in the dental prostheses and implantology pages.
With severe or deep cavities it is often the case that the root canals of the tooth also suffer and the pulp cavity becomes infected which is generally quite painful. To prevent the infection from spreading, it is usually necessary to perform root canal treatment.
STEPHANIE