One of the first lines of defense in fighting tooth decay is catching it early to prevent further damage. To do this, the team at Don E. Larson, DMD, uses the most advanced diagnostics available. From laser cavity detection to intraoral scans, advanced diagnostic imaging is one of the most powerful preventive tools available and the Eagle, Idaho, practice is proud to offer these technologies. To learn how advanced diagnostics can safeguard your dental health, call or use the online scheduler.
To underscore the importance of advanced diagnostics, it’s helpful to look at some of the numbers surrounding tooth decay. More specifically, a whopping 92% of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 in the United States have dental caries (cavities) in their permanent teeth. And the picture isn’t much brighter when it comes to kids — 20% of kids ages 5-11 have at least one untreated decayed tooth.
Advanced diagnostics not only can quickly locate and treat these cavities, it can detect the first signs of tooth decay, allowing the team at Don E. Larson, DMD, to take quick action.
Traditionally, dentists have relied on X-ray technology to help them get a glimpse inside your teeth to detect early signs of decay. This technique is still effective, but the newer technologies allow the team at Don E. Larson, DMD, a far more detailed look. These technologies include:
This laser fluorescence detector is shaped like a pen and can easily identify fissure caries, proximal caries, as well as periodontitis. In other words, it detects even the most hidden signs of trouble in your teeth.
This compact caries detection device uses non-ionizing radiation to provide the team at Don E. Larson, DMD, with full, X-ray-like images of your teeth. The transillumination technology makes your enamel appear transparent while any cavities you may have light up.
This diagnostic, intraoral camera detects tooth decay at different stages of its development, which allows your team to take the appropriate steps.
After turning to advanced diagnostics to detect tooth decay in your teeth, the team at Don E. Larson, DMD, comes up with the best treatment plan for your unique situation. When it comes to tooth decay, which is progressive, the goal is to stop the spread of decay by removing the affected tissues and placing a filling in your cavity.
If you’d like to stay one step ahead of tooth decay with advanced diagnostics, call Don E. Larson, DMD, or request a consultation using the online scheduling tool.
