How A Dentist Diagnoses And Finds Cavities

Most people end up with cavities from time to time. Many find out that they have a cavity when they attend their regular dental visits. A dentist can find the smallest cavities on teeth by using several methods. Dentists know what to look for and where to look, so if you want to know if you have cavities, you will need to go in for a checkup. Here are the ways your general dentist diagnoses and finds decay on your teeth.

By Asking Questions

One thing that occurs at a general dentist visit is a conversation with the dentist. Your dentist will come into the room to see you and speak with you. During this conversation, they will ask you about your teeth. The dentist will want to know if you are having any issues. Do you have sensitivity with any particular teeth? Do you ever feel pain in your mouth? Is anything bothering you? By asking you these types of questions, the dentist can learn about which areas they need to look closer at.

By Looking in Your Mouth and Using Dental Tools

After talking to you, the dentist will take a look inside your mouth. As they do this, they will use dental tools to see all the areas of your mouth. The main tools that dentists use during this step are a mirror and a scaler. A mirror helps them see your mouth, while a scaler helps the dentist spot decay. A scaler is pointed, and they place this inside the grooves of your teeth. If the tool senses any stickiness in your teeth, it can indicate the start of decay forming on a tooth.

By Taking X-Rays of Your Teeth

The third method that dentists use is x-rays. X-rays are pictures of your teeth, and they reveal a lot about your dental health. They can show if you have decay on a tooth or in between teeth. They can also show if teeth are cracked or have other issues. You might not get x-rays at every dental visit, but you should get them at least once each year.

These are the primary three methods that dentists use to diagnose and find decay on your teeth. Treating decay is vital, which is why you need to visit a dentist regularly for checkups. If you have not visited a dentist in the last six months, you should contact a general dentist today.


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