Laser Cavity Detection Specialist
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Kathryn Jodry, DDS
Cosmetic Dentist & General Dentist located in Richardson, TX
Cavities are insidious, and even with good oral hygiene, bacteria can literally slip through the cracks and infiltrate healthy teeth. With laser cavity detection from Kathryn Jodry, DDS, in Richardson, Texas, you can address cavities early. Laser cavity detection helps Dr. Jodry locate hidden cavities, young cavities, and weak spots in your enamel before they have the chance to develop into a more serious problem. To learn more about laser cavity detection, call the office or request an appointment online today.
Laser Cavity Detection Q&A
How does laser cavity detection work?
Laser cavity detection uses laser technology to detect early-stage cavities. It hinges on the concept that laser light easily passes through a healthy tooth structure, but cavities rebuff it.
In other words, if the laser has to use more intense wavelengths to get through a portion of your tooth, you may have a cavity there.
During laser cavity detection, Dr. Jodry shines a laser onto the chewing surface of your teeth with a pen-like instrument. As she scans your teeth, the laser instrument attempts to penetrate your teeth and sends data back to the machine readout as it does so.
Based on the data the laser sends about light wavelength intensity, the machine calculates tooth density and the likelihood of decay in each tooth. When the laser cavity detection machine finds a possible cavity, it records its findings and emits an audible signal.
What are the advantages of laser cavity detection?
Laser cavity detection offers you many advantages in your fight against cavities, including:
Early cavity detection
Using laser cavity detection, Dr. Jodry can catch early-stage cavities before they wreak havoc on your mouth.
Hidden cavity detection
Today, because Americans’ teeth experience so much exposure to fluoride in toothpaste and drinking water, American tooth enamel is harder than ever. Tooth decay has had to adapt by infiltrating your enamel via microscopic tears.
Once the decay enters these tears, it quickly and quietly spreads into the softer surfaces of your teeth and creates hidden cavities. X-rays can’t find these cavities, but laser cavity detection can.
Increased accuracy
When dentists probe your teeth and take X-rays to find cavities, they generally only find 57% of them. In contrast, dentists that use laser cavity detection find roughly 90% of all cavities.
Why does early cavity detection matter?
The earlier you catch cavities or weak spots where cavities could form, the better your expected outcome. Early intervention saves you from the physical pain of a cavity, as well as the possibility of losing a tooth or having to go through the process of fixing or replacing your tooth.
Laser cavity detection empowers you and helps you achieve the best oral health possible. To learn more, call Kathryn Jodry, DDS, or request an appointment online today.
