Cavities can hide in your teeth. Dentist in Fairfield
It
is our goal to help you maintain and improve your oral health. To
achieve this goal, the dental care that you and your family receive in
our office always includes state of the art equipment. Among the newest
technologies is a small laser instrument called the DIAGNOdent, which
scans your teeth for hidden decay.
We can't cure what we can't see!
Locating
hidden decay before it destroys tooth structure (from the inside out)
is a major goal of modern dentistry. The widespread use of fluoride
supplements in dental materials, toothpastes and drinking water has
made tooth surfaces harder and more resistant to decay.
However,
diagnosing cavities beneath the hard surfaces is more challenging
because the disease process can start through microscopic defects in
the hard surface enamel and can readily spread into the softer tooth
structure beneath the surface. X-rays and probing with an explorer are
limited in detecting sub surface decay, particularly when the cavity is
in its early stages. Fortunately, the new DIAGNOdent is a major
breakthrough that allows the dentist to monitor the areas below the
hard surfaces. The DIAGNOdent allows the dentist to locate hidden
decay, and with the treatment stop the spread of disease before it
destroys the tooth from within.
Patient friendly, especially for children.
This
unique instrument provides instant feedback on the health of the tooth.
A pen-like probe simply glides over the tooth surfaces constantly
checking the health of the tooth. A number scale and an alarm signals
the operator and patient when there are signs of hidden decay. This new
technology is safe and pain free for patients.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
We
encourage regular dental check-ups, cleanings and home care. Early
detection of problems minimize the expenses related to major tooth
repair. New technologies take us a giant step forward to helping you
achieve the goal of minimally invasive dentistry.
Conventional Exams
With conventional instruments, it is generally not possible to probe drop-shaped fissures.
DIAGNOdent Exam
DIAGNOdent
has the great advantage of detecting caries in the very early stage by
measuring the laser flourescence within the tooth structure.