Laser Cavity Detection
Ann Arbor MI
 Cavities are one of the most common dental issues, faced by children and adults alike. Regular dental exams are crucial for detecting cavities, allowing you to receive treatment before they become worse. A visual exam of your mouth allows us to see cavities on the visible surfaces of your teeth. Dental X-rays can help us to see cavities between teeth. Cavities can sometimes develop under the surface of the teeth, and cannot be seen by the naked eye or by an X-ray. Everwell Dentistry can detect these cavities with laser cavity detection.
Detecting Cavities with Laser TechnologyLaser cavity detection provides us with an additional method of detecting cavities that cannot otherwise be seen. During your dental exams, we visually inspect your teeth, checking for signs of decay and cavities on the visible surfaces of your teeth. Dental X-rays allow us to detect cavities between teeth. With laser cavity detection, we can detect decay and cavities developing below the surfaces of your teeth, where they cannot otherwise be seen.
How Does Laser Cavity Detection Work?Laser cavity detection is quick, simple, and completely painless. After cleaning your teeth, we use a laser that emits a harmless beam of fluorescent light into your mouth. We run the light over each of your teeth, a process that takes just a few minutes to complete. The fluorescent light reflects a laser diode. Healthy teeth reflect very little to no fluorescent light. If there is decay present, however, the diode will pick up greater amounts of fluorescence. The base of the laser unit translates the amount of fluorescence into a number. Generally, the higher the number shown, the greater the amount of decay present. Additionally, the laser also emits a noise when decay is detected.
What are the Benefits of Laser Cavity Detection?There are many benefits associated with laser cavity detection.
| • |
The process of scanning your teeth with the laser is quick and takes only a few minutes of your time.
|
| • |
Scanning your teeth is completely painless. A light detects the presence of decay, avoiding the need for us to use a tool to poke and prod your teeth.
|
| • |
The painless nature of the laser makes this method of cavity detection much more appealing for patients who suffer from dental fear or anxiety.
|
| • |
The laser light allows us to detect cavities that cannot be seen with the naked eye or with dental X-rays. This allows us to provide you with optimal care.
|
| • |
The laser helps us to detect the smallest amounts of decay, allowing for earlier treatment.
|
| • |
The earlier we can provide you with treatment, the easier, and more conservative, these treatments are. Cavities can be shallower, enabling the preservation of more of your natural tooth structure.
|
| • |
The fluorescent light emitted by the laser is completely harmless. It is safe enough to use at every routine dental exam. |
Combined with a visual inspection of your teeth and dental X-rays, laser cavity detection allows us to spot more difficult cavities so that we can help you to maintain optimal oral health. For more information, call Everwell Dentistry at (734) 973-0000 today. |
Request Your Appointment
