Diagnosing Cavities - Pinefield Dental

1. Diagnosing Cavities What is a cavity? Decay is the active disease process that forms when acids in the mouth destroy tooth structure. These acids are produced by the bacteria in plaque, which is the sticky, colourless film that forms constantly on your teeth. Unless steps are taken to prevent this decay process, the acids slowly dissolve the tooth enamel, causing a cavity. Untreated cavities cause further damage. When tooth structure has decayed, it is referred to as a cavity. It is important to remove the decay and restore the tooth structure. Treatment will stop the cavity from growing larger and weakening the tooth. It will also prevent bacteria from infecting the inner layers of the tooth, causing further damage to the tooth. Finding cavities Your dentist locates tooth decay by performing a thorough exam, which can include visual inspection and the use of a dental explorer, radiographs, and sometimes specialized equipment as well. In some cases, we can see decay easily on the chewing surfaces of your teeth. To check for decay on the tops or chewing surfaces of your teeth, we may use a dental explorer, which sticks slightly when it touches decayed areas. For areas between the teeth, radiographs, also known as X-rays, are used. Appearing as a dark area, radiographs may show small or advanced decay inside a tooth, depending on how severe the area of decay is. The biting surfaces of teeth can have deep pits and fissures where decay can be very difficult to find. We can use a special light that detects decay that is hiding in deep grooves and under the enamel. This light can also reveal changes in tooth structure that signal the start of a cavity. Treating cavities If we find a cavity in your tooth, we'll remove the decay and place a restoration. There are several types of restorations, including fillings, inlays, Onlays, and crowns. These can be fabricated from a variety of different dental materials. We'll talk with you about the best restoration for your situation. By treating decay as soon as possible, we can often prevent it from causing further damage and more extensive treatment in the future.