September 3, 2009 — WEST LOS ANGELES, CA — Even people with the best dental hygiene can have problems with cavities. But, thanks to diagnostic oral laser technology, dentists can literally see a cavity coming before tooth decay arrives.
Traditional methods of examining the oral cavity for cavities include visual inspection, magnified visual exams, or adjuncts to visual exams such as probes or X-rays of the oral cavity. But, visual exams and even X-rays can be misleading. For example, teeth often have discolorations that resemble a cavity. This often leads dentists to hold off on removing a cavity or operating on a tooth that is only discolored. However, diagnostic lasers use a light wavelength that only reacts to oral lesions in or on the tooth.
West LA cosmetic dentist Dr. Neda Naim uses the DIAGNOdent laser detection tool to examine her patient’s teeth and identify cavities forming in the early stages. According to the doctor, the tool significantly improves the visual and radiographic images of a tooth compared to other detection. This allows doctors and hygienists to better evaluate the presence of dental caries on the surface of the tooth or even submerged dental caries.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), cavities form when foods containing sugars and starches are frequently left on teeth. Bacteria in the mouth break down the sugars and starches, producing an acid that erodes tooth enamel. These sites are known as dental caries, and if left unchecked, the continual breakdown of the enamel leads to tooth decay.
Also, according to DIAGNOdent’s manufacturer KaVo Dental Corporation, dental caries are submerging below the tooth’s surface due to fluoridation. Though fluoride enhances oral hygiene, using fluoride consistently results in harder tooth enamel. While this has significant advantages, it has also led to dental caries lesions that were once on the outer enamel to plunge below the tooth’s surface.
“One of the worst things I have to do as a doctor is tell a patient with good dental habits that a cavity has emerged despite their efforts,” said Dr. Naim. “But, DIAGNOdent is a great diagnostic tool in that dental caries can’t hide anymore. Detecting a cavity before any significant damage is done to the tooth is vital in helping our patients preserve their natural teeth over the long-term.”
A study by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in 2002 discovered that 78% of Americans have a cavity by the age of 17. In another study conducted by the CDC, the organization found that roughly 45% of Americans between the age groups of 20 to 65 have an unidentified cavity.
According to a graph on KaVo’s Web site, DIAGNOdent diagnoses the presence of dental caries and cavities with 90% accuracy, which is a significant improvement over other procedures. The study notes that the closest most accurate examination method behind laser diagnostics is X-rays of the bitewing, which yields 67% accuracy. Visual inspection of the oral cavity recorded 56% to 58% accuracy, depending on aids such as magnification or probes.
People should have a dentist check for cavities at least once per year notes Dr. Naim. If tooth decay is found before the nerve is damaged, a route canal can restore the tooth by removing the damaged tooth pulp. Then, the patient will need a filling to seal the tooth. But, if there is nerve damage, removing the infected tooth for an artificial dental implant may be the only way to restore the esthetics of a healthy mouth said Dr. Naim, a West Los Angeles CA dental implants specialist.
“The goal is to avoid painful, invasive procedures such as root canals, tooth extractions, and dental implants,” said Dr. Naim. “With just a little foresight, patients can avoid these situations by coming in and having diagnostic checkups, saving themselves from additional visits for restorative procedures.”
In addition to routine checkups using laser diagnostic tools, Dr. Naim provides a vast selection of dental procedures. These include dental implants, route canals, orthodontics such as Invisalign and braces, crowns, bonding, veneers, teeth whitening, dentures, and special services such as snore guards, bad breath treatment, and night guards.
Learn More
To learn more about cavities and laser diagnostics, contact West LA cosmetic dentist Dr. Neda Naim at her practice, located at 11645 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 804, Los Angeles, California; visit her Web site: http://originalsmile.com/ or call: (310) 479-7852 to schedule a consultation.
About Dr. Neda Naim
Dr. Neda Naim has lived in the Los Angeles area almost all of her life. She completed her undergraduate studies at California State University Northridge, where she did her studies in Art and Biology.
She went on to study dentistry as the University of Southern California. There, her background as an artist helped her tremendously as she excelled in her academic performance.
Dr. Naim has been practicing dentistry for almost a decade in the West Los Angeles area. She is highly skilled in general and cosmetic dentistry and has received numerous certifications in advanced restorative dentistry, including sophisticated training in various new advancements in dental implants and cosmetic dentistry.
Most importantly, she has great compassion for her patients. Her patients consider her a gentle and excellent practitioner. Her knowledge in implant dentistry, cosmetic and restorative dentistry give her the tools to offer the most comprehensive of treatment plans. Her background as an artist enables her to create superior aesthetic results.
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