Digital Cavity Detecting Radiology in Lakewood, CO
Digital Vs. Traditional Dental X-Rays
When we require an x-ray at your dental appointment in Lakewood, we use digital x-rays.
Digital cavity detecting radiology is the newest and safest technology to take dental x-rays! Digital radiology uses an electronic sensor that captures the image and stores it on a computer, rather than on a film. The image is accessible immediately, and has high resolution so that we can see problem areas more easily. In addition, digital x-rays reduce radiation by 80-90% (compared to the low exposure of traditional dental x-rays). Not only is digital cavity detecting radiology safer, but it’s also speedier and more accurate.
What Do Digital Dental X-Rays Reveal?
Digital cavity detecting radiology reveals a number of dental issues unseen to the naked eye.
Oftentimes, there is dental damage and disease that is not visible during a regular dental exam. Cavity detecting dental x-rays are helpful in determining the seriousness of a cavity. They can also detect and reveal decay particularly in between the teeth. The earlier we catch a cavity, or the start of one, the more chance we have to actually REVERSE it, or keep it small!
Dental x-rays are pictures of the teeth, bones, and soft tissues around them to help find problems with the teeth, mouth, and jaw. X-ray pictures can show cavities, hidden dental structures (like your wisdom teeth), and bone loss that cannot be seen during a visual examination.
Is Digital Cavity Detecting Radiology In Lakewood Safe?
Your health is our top priority.
The radiation exposure of dental x-rays is less than you get outside on a sunny day in Colorado! At Fox Point Dental, we use the principle of ALARA, or “as low as reasonably achievable” when it comes to dental x-rays. This means that we will look at your unique situation and decide if dental x-rays are necessary. If not, we won’t take them.
Did you know that 12% of the population has never had a cavity?! They’re the lucky ones!
What Are the Stages of a Cavity?
Is it possible to reverse a cavity and refrain from visiting your Lakewood dentist?
Reverse a cavity? Potentially. Refrain from visiting the dentist? Probably not the best plan of action. There are five stages of cavities, starting with the development of white spots and ending with a full-blown tooth decay. Catching tooth decay early on is the best way to prevent further damage and to restore the tooth to its natural condition as soon as possible. Here are the five stages:
Stage 1
White spots develop the tooth, indicating demineralization of the enamel. Quick action can allow you to reverse this damage. Here are some things that will help at this stage (as this is the stage where cavities can be reversed).
Stage 2
There’s a hole in the surface. If caught early enough, in most cases we can save the tooth.
Stage 3
There is a visible discoloration on the tooth and the cavity starts to involve the dentin layer – ouch! You should go see a dentist as soon as possible to avoid a root canal and save the tooth with a dental inlay or onlay.
Stage 4
The cavity reaches the pulp with an infection. Since it’s reached the nerves and blood vessels, this is a very painful stage. This usually calls for a root canal with a crown.
Stage 5
The infection has gone through the tooth and is in the tissue and bone around the root of the tooth. In most cases, the gums are swollen and it is extremely painful. It’s also extremely dangerous. If a cavity reaches this point, it can affect the whole body and in some cases prove to be fatal. This stage calls for a tooth extraction.
Signs a Cavity Is About to Form
Other than through digital cavity detecting radiology, here are the common signs a cavity is about to appear.
Cavities form because of plaque left on the tooth. The plaque breaks down the tooth’s enamel, which causes tooth decay. Typically a cavity is not extremely noticeable until the tooth decay starts. However, there are a few signs to look out for in the early stages of its development, such as:
- Tooth sensitivity or pain when eating and drinking – this is a sign that your outer layer of enamel is wearing down.
- Discoloration or tiny white spots – A tiny spot on your tooth that appears white, brown, or black could be a cavity forming. These spots are a sign of demineralization of the outer layer of your tooth.
- Bad breath – Consistent bad breath is a sign of food particles trapped in the teeth (or mouth breathing), which might mean plaque is building up somewhere without you knowing it.
Keep up to date with your routine dental exams, as our digital cavity detecting radiology in Lakewood, CO will help identify cavities before they become too troublesome.
Take Care of Those Teeth!
Here’s how to keep them healthy.
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
Even on the sleepiest of evenings when you can’t wait to lay your head on your pillow, brushing your teeth is a must. It can be easy to skip this step, but it is the best way to get rid of the germs and plaque that build up on your teeth all day long.
Use the Right Brushing Technique
- Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
- Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
- Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
- To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
- Remind yourself to not brush too hard!
Brush Your Tongue
Brush your tongue when brushing your teeth. Some toothbrushes actually have a rough back designed for tongue brushing. However, you can also gently brush your tongue with the bristles.
Use Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
Try to get a toothpaste that contains hydroxyapatite! These substances act as an agent to reduce your teeth’s demineralization process. They help the enamel stay strong and resist breaking down. If you’re at a loss for which to pick, look for the ADA seal of acceptance to ensure you’re getting the best toothpaste for your teeth, or ask your Lakewood dentist!
Don't Forget to Floss Once a Day
Your toothbrush can’t reach between your teeth, so flossing is a must to remove debris. It also stimulates your gums and keeps them healthy while reducing plaque buildup. Flossing just once a day will greatly improve your oral health regime and help you take care of your teeth.
Breathe Through the Nose
Breathing through your nose is a MAJOR way to prevent tooth decay! When we breathe through our nose, we warm and humidify the air we are breathing, as well as disinfect it. When we breathe through our mouths, we dehydrate our mouths, lead to more plaque buildup, and change the acidity of the mouth. If you can’t breathe through your nose, that is a red flag that there is something going on with your breathing patterns, jaw structure, or nasal structure. Not being able to breathe through your nose warrants further evaluation, not just for your teeth health, but for your whole body health! Sometimes this is as simple as strengthening the muscles of the lips and tongue. This is called myofunctional therapy, and we see many health improvements by using it!
Drink Lots of Water
Keeping your mouth moist helps wash away debris, sugars, and acidic foods between brushings. Water has many health benefits and should always be the drink of choice throughout the day.
See Your Dentist Twice a Year
Last but not least, to take care of your teeth, be sure to visit your dental clinic in Lakewood, CO for a dental cleaning twice a year, or as recommended for your specific needs. This will help your dentist keep an eye on your dental health while also providing professional cleanings to remove plaque.
How Can I Prevent Cavities?
Here’s how to give your teeth the care they need.
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
Brushing your teeth is a must. It can be easy to skip this step, but it is the best way to get rid of the germs and plaque that build up on your teeth all day long.
Use the Right Brushing Technique
- Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
- Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
- Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
- To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
- Remind yourself to not brush too hard!
Brush Your Tongue
Brush your tongue when brushing your teeth. Some toothbrushes actually have a rough back designed for tongue brushing. However, you can also gently brush your tongue with the bristles.
Use Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste
Try to get a toothpaste that contains hydroxyapatite! These substances act as an agent to reduce your teeth’s demineralization process. They help the enamel stay strong and resist breaking down. If you’re at a loss for which to pick, look for the ADA seal of acceptance to ensure you’re getting the best toothpaste for your teeth, or ask your Lakewood dentist!
Don't Forget to Floss Once a Day
Your toothbrush can’t reach between your teeth, so flossing is a must to remove debris. It also stimulates your gums and keeps them healthy while reducing plaque buildup. Flossing just once a day will greatly improve your oral health regime and help you take care of your teeth.
Breathe Through the Nose
Breathing through your nose is a MAJOR way to prevent tooth decay! When we breathe through our nose, we warm and humidify the air we are breathing, as well as disinfect it. When we breathe through our mouths, we dehydrate our mouths, lead to more plaque buildup, and change the acidity of the mouth. If you can’t breathe through your nose, that is a red flag that there is something going on with your breathing patterns, jaw structure, or nasal structure. Not being able to breathe through your nose warrants further evaluation, not just for your teeth health, but for your whole body health! Sometimes this is as simple as strengthening the muscles of the lips and tongue. This is called myofunctional therapy, and we see many health improvements by using it!
Drink Lots of Water
Keeping your mouth moist helps wash away debris, sugars, and acidic foods between brushings. Water has many health benefits and should always be the drink of choice throughout the day.
See Your Dentist Twice a Year
Last but not least, to take care of your teeth, be sure to visit your dental clinic in Lakewood, CO for a dental cleaning twice a year, or as recommended for your specific needs. This will help your dentist keep an eye on your dental health while also providing professional cleanings to remove plaque.
About Fox Point Dental In Lakewood, CO
We’re here for your whole health, not just your tooth health.
At Fox Point Dental in Lakewood, Colorado, we focus on whole health, functional dentistry. As a functional dentist clinic, we look at the whole you to see the big picture. When you step into our office with a dental problem, we look for the cause of the issue.
Brushing, flossing, using mouthwash, and visiting the dentist for dental cleanings are important. But while these help with dental hygiene, they don’t fix the source of the problem. Oftentimes, tooth decay, crooked teeth, bad breath and other common dental issues are a result of airway obstructions, overcrowded mouths, and narrow dental arches from things such as mouth breathing and sleep-disordered breathing.
By determining the source of the dental problems, we can fix the issues before they get worse. As a functional dentistry practice, it is our goal to not only save you money from preventing future dental procedures but also directly improve the quality of your life.
Our goal is to help you and the ones you love smile confidently, breathe clearer, and live a healthier life. Whether you’re coming in for a preventative dental cleaning or another dental procedure, from infancy to advanced age, we’re looking out for you.