Do you ever wonder how your dentist diagnoses a cavity while you’re sitting in the dental chair? If so, our dental team is happy to tell you how! Sometimes cavities aren’t always noticeable with the naked eye, so to detect the hard-to-see cavities, Dr. [doctor_name] accurately diagnoses the cavity with a simple and effective process.

First, your dentist will inspect every single tooth in your mouth with a special dental tool. As [heshe] runs the tool over the surfaces of the teeth, two things can happen: The tool could stick in place or run smoothly over the surface. If it sticks, it’s a sign there is damage to the tooth enamel, which is usually a cavity.

Second, your dentist can take detailed pictures of your mouth during your dental exam with the help of dental X-rays. These pictures show the teeth, tooth roots, and underlying bones as well as any problems in those areas. This can help your dentist identify a cavity that is hiding deep in your mouth.

For more information and details about how your dentist diagnoses a cavity in [city], [state], please reach out to [practice_name] at [phone] when you have the chance. Our dental team will be happy to give you the answers you need!

Are you an expert when it comes to caring for your teeth and gums? Brushing and flossing are central to good oral health, but there are more things you can do to supplement your daily dental routine.

First, it’s important to remember the basics. Have you been brushing and flossing properly? Ideally, brush twice a day for two minutes each session, and floss once a day for 2-3 minutes each session. Also, you can use an ADA approved therapeutic mouthwash after meals if you like.

If you use tobacco or recreational drugs, it is time to quit. Add oral emergencies and tooth decay to the list of damage those kinds of habits inflict your body. You can do it!

Next, how can you up your game? Here are a few tips:

Try to avoid snacks between meals, as this can raise your risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and oral emergencies such as chipped or cracked teeth. Always eat a healthy and balanced diet with lots of calcium, protein, and phosphorus. Try to limit sugars and acidic foods such as fruit juices, soda, and alcoholic beverages. Avoid bad habits such as chewing on ice or biting your nails.

Try not to brush for 30 minutes after eating, as your teeth are extra sensitive to abrasions during that period. Instead, try chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after a meal to help keep your mouth clean as you prepare to brush.

If you play sports, use appropriate mouth protection. The better protected your teeth are, the better off you will be if an accident should happen.

Finally, don’t forget to schedule your regular dental appointment at [practice_name]! Regular check-ups by Dr. [doctor_name] and professional cleanings by our team will help catch problems early, as well as take care of plaque buildup for a strong, healthy smile. If you are in [city], [state], all [phone] to set up your appointment today!

Fillings are commonly used by the dentists at [practice_name]’s [city], [state] clinic to repair chips and small areas of tooth decay. While they are cemented or bonded securely to the surrounding tooth enamel, it is possible for poor oral hygiene and other oral health complications to weaken the bond.

This could allow the bacteria in your mouth to invade the seam between the tooth enamel and the filling material. The larger and older a filling is, the more likely it is to become distressed. Sometimes you can notice an overt symptom that one of your fillings is about to go bad.

Early symptoms of a distressed filling could commonly include: heightened sensitivity, and a sharp pain when biting down or chewing on that tooth. This could also be associated with a change in texture, especially if the filling is on the lingual side of the tooth near your tongue. You should also beware a filling that causes heightened sensitivity when you consume cold, hot, sweet, or acidic foods.

A gray discoloration forming in the nearby tooth enamel is a telltale sign that bacteria have invaded the seam between the filling and the healthy tooth enamel. Much of the cement has likely been compromised and there is serious potential for new decay to set in.

Sometimes we can replace a small, bad filling with a fresh, new one. Unfortunately, if the filling was large or the tooth suffers from a new area of decay, the entire tooth enamel layer may need to be replaced by a crown. The material used for the crown will vary depending on the tooth’s primary function and its visibility in your smile.

If you live in [city], [state] and you suspect one of your fillings is in distress, you should call [phone] to have it examined and treated by [practice_name]’s dentists.

Hours

Services

Quicklinks

Address

Follow Us

Directions

Call Us

Contact Us

How Does My Dentist Diagnose a Cavity?