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How Do Dentists Detect Cavities?

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:26:03 +0000

Cavities are detected a number of ways. The most common are clinical (hands-on) and radiographic (X-ray) examinations. During a dental exam, the dentist uses a handheld instrument called an explorer to probe the tooth surface for cavities. If the explorer “catches,” it means the instrument has found a weak, acid-damaged part of the tooth — a dental cavity. Dentists can also use a visual examination to detect cavities. Teeth that are discolored (usually brown or black) can sometimes indicate a dental cavity.

Dental X-rays, especially check-up or bitewing X-rays, are very useful in finding cavities that are wedged between the teeth or under the gum line. These “hidden” cavities are difficult or impossible to detect visually or with the explorer. In some cases, none of these methods are adequate, and a dentist must use a special disclosing solution to diagnose a suspicious area on a tooth.

Source: http://www.dentistry.com/

Anderson Dental Group

How Will I Know if I Have a Cavity?

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:24:48 +0000

This may sound a bit surprising to most people, but the large majority of cavities are completely painless. This is because the outer enamel has no nerves. It is only when the cavity enters the underlying dentin that the cavity may begin to feel sensitive. The most common symptoms are an increased sensation to cold, sweet foods or beverages. A cavity is often responsible for a tooth that breaks. The cavity weakens the tooth, especially when it forms under a filling or a tooth cusp, and can easily cause a fracture when biting down.

Patients are sometimes taken off guard when they learn that they have a few cavities but they don’t have any symptoms. It is far better to treat a small cavity than to wait until they have symptoms, such as pain. By the time there are symptoms, the cavity may have spread to infect the dental pulp, necessitating a root canal procedure or an extraction to eliminate the infection. Always remember that most dental problems are insidious — that is, they sneak up on you. Regular dental exams, at least twice a year, will greatly reduce the likelihood that a dental cavity will go undetected and spread, causing pain and infecting the dental pulp.

Source: http://www.dentistry.com/

Anderson Dental Group

Dental Abbreviations

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:23:41 +0000

The letter part of the code refers to different parts or surfaces of the tooth. An “M” mesial, or “D” distal, is the front or back surface of the tooth, respectively. An “O” occlusal, is the top or biting surface of a back tooth (molar or premolar), and “I” incisal, is the biting edge of front teeth (incisors and canines). A “B” buccal, is the surface of the tooth towards the cheek, and an “L” lingual, is the surface of the tooth towards the tongue. So, if the dentist says number 3MOD, you’ll know that you have a cavity on your upper right first molar, involving the front, top, and back parts of the tooth.

Source: http://www.dentistry.com/

Anderson Dental Group