Cavity Checks from a Family Dentist

One of the main reasons people typically visit a family dentist is to get a cavity check. The American Dental Association states that 91% of adults in America over the age of 20 have had at least one cavity. Generally included in each six-month wellness examination, a cavity check can help both identify areas where cavities may be forming and monitor existing cavities that may be too small for a filing. Here are some things to expect during this type of appointment.

Common cavity detection methods

Unfortunately, many people wait until they have tooth pain before going to the dentist. Under these circumstances, any existing cavities are usually obvious without using any probing instruments. While certain cavities are large enough to be seen with the naked eye, others can only be identified upon closer examination using more sophisticated tools.

Probing tools

Dental professionals frequently use probing tools to poke at tooth enamel and determine whether it is hard or soft. A sickle probe is a tool used by dentists to check for cavities until more modern methods were developed. This probe made it easier for a dental professional to locate soft spots on the enamel that had been weakened by decay and worn down by erosion. A briault probe is curved, has sharp points on both ends, and is useful for locating soft spots in between the teeth. A dental hygienist may still use these probes during a cleaning to determine if further examination is needed in a specific area of the mouth.

X-rays

A cavity can be easily identified in an X-ray by a family dentist. It will show up as a dark spot in a white tooth. X-rays can pinpoint the location and depth of cavities, including those in between the teeth. Because of this, most dentists recommend having imagery taken regularly. In certain cases, especially in areas between the teeth, cavities may start to form that are not visible to the naked eye. Getting an X-ray can identify these areas so a dentist can keep a close watch on them. Although less common, cavities can also form underneath previous fillings. When this happens, the only way to see the new decay is with an X-ray.

Lasers

There are patients with tooth decay that starts out underneath the enamel instead of on the surface of the tooth. In these cases, neither probing tools or X-rays are effective at identifying the damage. Subsurface cavities can only be located with the help of lasers. During this cavity detection method, the laser that is directed at the teeth will pass through healthy enamel but reflect back off of any decay.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Family Dentist in Bakersfield, CA

Conclusion

Far from being an unnecessary nuisance, getting frequent cavity checks from a family dentist can help prevent further decay and damage to teeth. Identifying areas to watch or fix can allow the teeth to stay healthy and last as long as possible. A dentist may use one or all three of these methods to look for cavities to make sure undetected decay does not exist.

Request an appointment or call Brimhall Dental Group at 661-249-1122 for an appointment in our Bakersfield office.

Recent Posts

5 Issues A Family Dentist Can Help You With

Routine dental checkups are just as important as brushing and flossing when it comes to oral health. Visiting a family dentist is a smart and convenient option that can provide a number of important advantages for the whole family and help to ensure you all maintain healthy teeth and gums.Some people may assume that there…

When To Get An Oral Cancer Screening From Your Family Dentist

Oral cancer occurs inside the mouth and is so often called mouth cancer or oral cavity cancer, and a family dentist will usually check for this disease during routine dental visits. However, if you are experiencing abnormal mouth pain, lumps, or lesions before your next exam, it may be a good idea to schedule an…

Oral Hygiene Services From Your Family Dentist

Scheduling regular visits to a family dentist is an important part of maintaining good oral health. During routine checkups, patients can expect a visual examination along with occasional X-rays. In addition, the dental team will conduct a series of oral hygiene procedures to keep the teeth and gums strong and prevent decay and disease. While…

Brimhall Dental Group

Share
Published by
Brimhall Dental Group

Recent Posts

3 Types of Orthodontic Treatments

Whatever treatment option you choose, the end goal is straightening your teeth and improving your…

5 days ago

How to Properly Care for Your Dentures

When you have dentures, you must remember this, proper denture care starts with treating your…

5 days ago

Denture Care: How Long Should You Keep New Dentures In?

One of the most common questions that dentists receive about denture care from new denture…

2 weeks ago

Why Denture Care is Important for Dental Health

Denture care is essential for dental health. How often do you think about your dentures?…

3 weeks ago

The Dos and Don’ts of Denture Care

Dentures are an excellent alternative to natural teeth, and denture care is as simple and…

4 weeks ago

4 Myths About Denture Care

Are you thinking about getting dentures? Dentures not only give you back your smile and…

1 month ago