How Does the Dentist Detect Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is very common. About 92 percent of people between 20-64 years of age have had cavities. Whenever you come in for a visit, we’ll always check your teeth for signs of decay. This lets us treat it as early as possible! How do we find decay?

Using Digital X-Rays to Detect Cavities

Before digital technology, checking for decay was difficult. Today, digital X-rays easily identify problems that can’t be seen with the naked eye. With this tool, we can see decay hiding between your teeth, underneath restorations like crowns, and deep in your teeth. These machines also provide great imagery that we can enhance, so even the smallest cavity can be identified. X-rays are safe – even for pregnant women – and they emit much less radiation than traditional X-ray machines.

Treating Tooth Decay

The ideal treatment depends on what kind of cavity you have and how severe it is. Most of the time, composite fillings do the trick. These fillings are made from resin and fillers. Because of their light color, they blend in with your smile unlike traditional silver fillings. Tooth-colored fillings also don’t contain mercury, which is something many patients worry about. The last benefit? We don’t need to prepare the tooth as much, so more of your natural tooth structure is saved.

If we find extensive decay, we might use a crown instead of a filling. We’ll remove the decayed part first and then fit a crown on top to protect the tooth. Crowns are made from materials like porcelain and resin.

Keeping Your Smile Healthy at Dental Solutions of Avon/Indy

To avoid tooth decay, maintain solid brushing and flossing routines at home and visit Dr. Weida and Dr. Sitaram for regular appointments! If you do get a cavity, the treatment process is usually very simple and painless. We always prioritize your health and comfort. Please contact us today with any questions or to book an appointment at our Indianapolis office.