For many years dentists have relied on checking people’s teeth for tooth decay by using a pointed instrument to press onto the biting surface. This method of checking the biting surface can be very frustrating because when the pointed instrument “sticks”, that means that there is decay and that the decay has probably been on the tooth for a long time.
When the decay has been allowed to spread on the tooth structure for a long time and there is more decay, more of the tooth has to be removed to prevent further spread of the decay. The use of x-ray machines to find decay between the teeth helps and has been relied on since x-rays were invented, but minimizing the growth of decay is the goal of every dentist.
Technological advances have created new tools that assist the dentist in diagnosing and stopping decay. One new such tool in the dentist’s arsenal is the Diagnodent.
The Diagnodent is an award winning laser that detects decay much sooner than the “poke & stick” method. It checks the density of the teeth below the grooves. This allows the dentist to place much smaller fillings which leaves more of the natural tooth structure intact. Since smaller fillings last longer than larger fillings and since having your own tooth structure is far better than having a mouth full of fillings, this is truly a great piece of technology.
Another technological advance in dentistry is a laser called the “Biolase MD”. This laser gives dentists the ability to create fillings without novocaine & drills. It also allows the removal of old silver fillings without anesthetic and helps eliminate gum disease without surgery.
These are but two tools that improved technology has provided to dentists to help promote and maintain the health of people’s teeth. The ability to be able to fix tooth problems without discomfort makes the dentist’s job much easier and the patient’s experience more pleasant. Many patients avoid going to the dentist because of past unpleasant or painful experiences. These technological advances help people visit their dentist more regularly and therefore help stop the spread of decay or prevent other dental problems.
