Advanced Cavity Detection: Using Laser Technology at Schaefer Dental Group
Laser technology is becoming quite commonplace in a wide variety of areas throughout the healthcare industry; but did you know that it can now be used to detect tooth decay? Today, using a small, handheld device, it is possible to detect tooth decay that is not yet visible and would otherwise be undiagnosed by conventional methods alone. Schaefer Dental Group incorporates this advanced technology for superior diagnostic accuracy in Lansing, Michigan.
Traditional methods of detecting tooth decay are much more accurate and efficient when laser technology is included by your dentist. You can expect:
- Dramatically improved early cavity detection.
- Reduced size and possibly number of fillings that might be needed, thus possibly lowering the cost of dental treatments.
- Reduced chances of unnecessary exploration of teeth that are suspected to have cavities.
Here’s How Laser Detection Works
Using this noninvasive technology, your teeth are scanned to examine their structure. Laser cavity detection is based on the fact that healthy tooth structure reflects light, or “fluoresces,” differently than does decayed tooth structure.
- Healthy teeth will have little-to-no fluorescence.
- Teeth with decay display a higher level of fluorescence, and the higher the fluorescence, the more advanced the tooth decay.
Once the scan is complete, the fluorescence readings are converted into a digital numeric output. You will also “hear” when you have decay present, as changes in fluorescence and numeric value are emitted as an audio signal that goes up in tone as it denotes the presence of decay.
Why This Technology is So Important
Tooth decay may be more difficult to detect today than it was in the past, partly due to improved oral hygiene and the increased use of fluoride. While fluoride has hardened the outer enamel surface, that increased hardness can sometimes conceal even aggressive decay, making it difficult to find with traditional x-rays and fine picks.
However, using laser technology provides about a 90% accuracy rate for identifying suspicious areas and cavities. This translates to:
- Earlier detection.
- Less tooth structure loss, resulting in stronger teeth.
- Less time spent in the dental chair.
- Ultimately, a financial savings to you.