Currently tooth decay can be defined as a “multifactorial infectious” disease, where two processes are involved: the re-mineralization and de-mineralization of tooth structure. This is caused primarily by acids from the synthesis of carbohydrates and by the bacteria present in saliva. The methods, which are provided by your local Dental Oahu dentist, are many and varied. This is your best chance to facilitate the detection of carious lesions.
Steps to detecting caries
The dentist will start by obtaining your clinical and medical history. You will provide the dentist with information like your age and your diet, which will help detect a possible pattern of behavior by the carious lesion. Then he or she will perform a clinical examination of the area. This involves a few steps, which are listed below.
1. Direct Observation: Through visual perception changes are determined in the color and shape.
2. Mechanical Exploration: Using basic instruments (mirror, clamps and periodontal probes), the patient’s general condition is obtained at which time the dentiast specifically examines the tooth affected by decay.
The dentist will then order a radiograph or X-Ray. This test has limitations because it does not diagnose early stages of decay. However, there are other methods the Dental Oahu provider can use to diagnose caries. These are:
1. Halogen Lamp: A variant trans-illumination method which now includes the posterior teeth.
2. Electronic Caries Detector: Electric is a high precision method (96%), but it also costs the patient heavily. It has a range of colors, which highlights: Orange-dentin caries, Red-caries with pulp involvement.
3. Solutions detector (Caries Detector): Based on the active principle of “fusion”, it helps diagnose caries and helps with the total elimination of the affected tissue. With this type of method healthy tooth structure is conserved. The pigmented areas are damaged collagen fibers that should be removed. View the site for more info.
4. Lasers: Allows the detection and removal of decay on exposed surfaces due to diseased tissue.
5. Salivary and Bacteriologic Tests: This evaluates the number of streptococci and lactobacilli by your salivary flow, and this allows the dentist to determine the cariogenic index of each patient, allowing them to decide if restorative treatment is indicated.
You should know the importance of each of these studies and the need for routine diagnosis of caries. Although people often think of high costs that are associated, failure to treat these issues in their infancy will lead to even higher costs.
