No Small Pains

Regular dental check-ups can offer people the necessary care for ensuring that teeth and gums stay healthy throughout the lifespan. When this is coupled with good home care, many people find that they are able to retain their natural teeth for years, and enjoy a great quality of life with few concerns about oral health. However, genetics do play a part in oral care and tooth maintenance, and some problems do need to be monitored regardless of upkeep.

At Stony Brook Family Dentistry, we find that some individuals face tooth problems that appear regardless of their care regimen. This can be based on dietary habits, such as a high intake of acidic foods and drinks, but it can also be a hereditary function, such as gum diseases or soft teeth. In these cases, it becomes even more important to ensure that regular visits are kept up with, since detecting an issue early can prevent future woes.

Focus On Solutions

One of the things that we see a lot is the fact that patients may have a number of small cavities, and not even realize that there is decay occurring within the tooth. One reason that this happens is because the sensitive nerve endings of the tooth are deep within the root and the soft pulp. Until a cavity reaches these nerve endings and exposes them to the air, most people will not feel the pain that is normally associated with a cavity. In this way, a small amount of decay can grow into a much larger concern.

Another reason for undetected cavities can also be their location. Surface cavities on the front or back of the tooth may not get as much activity wear as one that is within the crown, and this can also cause it to remain unnoticed. Often these cavities come from a small crack or soft spot in the enamel. This lets bacteria in, and decay can spread under the surface of the enamel, without it being greatly noticed at first. While cavities can come from lack of daily care, they can also be the result of hereditary traits that cause softer enamel to be vulnerable to these problems.

One resource that we utilize at Stony Brook Dentistry is a laser diagnostic tool that can actually detect cavities below the enamel. This painless device will highlight spots of decay that are not visible to the naked eye, and allow us to attend to them before they become larger, or even claim the entire tooth. This process gives an even more refined diagnostic than X-rays, and lets our patients be proactive about their tooth care.

If you are getting ready to schedule your next dental visit, feel free to give us a call and enquire about laser dentistry on Long Island, to diagnose and even deal with your tooth decay concerns. This process can help you keep a great smile for years, with no hidden pitfalls along the way.