How do dentists detect cavities?
Conventional Diagnostic Methods:
Visual Inspection: Help to determine the colour and texture of the lesion.
Tactile Examination with Explorer: It is suggested to use sharp explorer, based on tug back action, for diagnosis.
Radiographs
Dental Floss: When unwaxed dental floss is moved across the carious proximal tooth surface, any resistance on withdrawal can be indicative.
Ultraviolet light: It increases the optical contrast between the carious lesion and surrounding soft tissue.
Caries Detector Dyes: They are applied for 10 seconds and then washed off. Any deeply stained tooth structure.
Advanced Diagnostic Methods: Fluorescence/Fibreoptic Transillumination