The sooner tooth decay is detected, the more effective and less invasive the treatment will be. Our dentists, Dr. Jason A. Dunville and Dr. Hayley Mathie, use laser cavity detection in Jefferson City, MO, to locate areas of tooth decay even before they become visible to the unaided eye.
What Is Laser Cavity Detection?
Laser cavity detection uses a small, pen-like device that emits a safe laser beam to scan your tooth surfaces. When the laser encounters decayed tooth structure, it produces a fluorescent signal that is measured by the device and displayed as a numerical reading. Higher readings indicate greater levels of decay, allowing our dentists to identify cavities at their earliest stages.
Benefits of Laser Cavity Detection
- Detects decay earlier than traditional visual exams or X-rays alone
- Completely painless and non-invasive
- No radiation exposure
- Allows for more conservative treatment when decay is caught early
- Quick and comfortable screening process
- Particularly effective for detecting decay in pits and fissures
Why Early Detection Matters
When cavities are detected in their earliest stages, treatment is simpler, less expensive and preserves more of your natural tooth structure. A small area of early decay may only need a minor filling or remineralization therapy, whereas advanced decay may require a crown or root canal treatment. Laser cavity detection gives us the ability to intervene before small problems become big ones.
Schedule Your Visit
To see if laser cavity detection technology can help protect your smile, call Ridgecrest Dental at 573-635-2571 to schedule your visit in Jefferson City, MO.