Since identifying and filling cavities are two of the most important services we provide at West Hills Smiles, we use Diagnodent® laser technology. Diagnodent precisely detects tooth decay in its early stages, many times before it can be recognized by other means. Fillings for cavities that are caught sooner can often be smaller, which allows us to use minimally invasive filling techniques and preserve more of your natural tooth. Additionally, the low intensity Diagnodent laser enables us to monitor areas of concern without repeated x-rays.
Like digital x-rays, digital photographs taken with our intraoral cameras are a useful diagnostic and patient education tool. Intraoral cameras show you what we see during your exam and help us guide you through your diagnosis and treatment options. Intraoral cameras also allow us to visualize more and diagnose issues we might not have been able to see without the up-close view that they give us.
Digital x-rays are a fast and comfortable tool we use to assess your dental needs. With no chemical processing, no sharp pieces of x-ray film and significantly less radiation than conventional x-rays, digital x-rays are a smart choice for your smile and the environment. X-rays are commonly used in dental exams of patients of all ages, because many problems with the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen by the naked eye.
Unfortunately, cavities often go undetected until patients experience discomfort or severe dental damage. Laser-assisted cavity detection is a quick, accurate, and non-invasive way to reveal decay. The laser device will measure fluorescence inside your tooth. Areas of decay will reveal higher levels of fluorescence. The device can reveal cavities in the earliest stages, so we can treat decay before it causes discomfort and harms your full tooth. Additionally, the low intensity Diagnodent laser enables us to monitor areas of concern through cavity detection without repeated x-rays.
