7500 Iron Bar Lane, Suite 201
Gainesville, VA 20155

(Across the street from the Gainesville IHOP)

How Your Dentist Diagnoses a Cavity

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Do you ever wonder how your dentist notices and diagnosis a cavity? If so, our dental team is happy to share the details! As you may already know, cavities are oftentimes detected at your routine dental cleaning appointments. When you’re in the dental chair, Dr. Tontra Lowe usually diagnosis a cavity by doing one or both of these things:

First, your dentist will feel every single tooth in your mouth with a special dental instrument. As they runs the instrument over the teeth, it could stick in place or run smoothly over the surface. If the instrument sticks, it’s a sign there is damage, which is usually a cavity. This is the first way to diagnose a cavity.

Second, your dentist will take dental X-rays of your entire mouth during your dental exam. The X-rays will show a clear picture of your teeth, tooth roots, and underlying bones. This can help your dentist detect a cavity that is hidden deep in your mouth and is not visible to the naked eye.

If you have any questions or if you would like to know more about how to diagnose a dental cavity in Gainesville, Virginia, please contact Awesome Smiles Dental Center at 571-261-2600. Our dental team is happy to help you, and we look forward to giving you the answers you’re looking for!