Cutting-Edge Diagnostic Tools

Digital X-Rays

Over the past 60 years, science has helped improve the dental profession. One good example: today’s dental X-rays are safer and more convenient.

Although traditional dental X-rays emit much lower amounts of radiation than in the past and are considered extremely safe, digital radiography is a high-tech alternative with the following benefits:

• Uses 90% less radiation
• The ability to transfer dental X-ray records by email
• No chemicals involved, so environmentally friendly
• Shorter dental appointments
• Higher quality of images

Intraoral Cameras

An intraoral camera is a tiny video camera that captures magnified images within the mouth and displays them on a computer monitor. Both dentist and patient can clearly see irregularities not visible to the naked eye.

Since its introduction in the early ’90s, the intraoral camera has grown in popularity. Today, its use is widespread. Dentists who use this device have found it very helpful for diagnosing dental conditions such as tooth decay and cracked teeth, and for educating patients.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Dr. Richter may perform an oral exam during your routine dental visit to screen for oral cancer. Early detection means a greater chance for a cure. During an oral exam, a dentist looks for red or white patches or mouth sores.

Many people have abnormal sores in their mouths that are usually noncancerous. An oral exam doesn’t determine whether a sore is cancerous ... so if we find an unusual sore, a biopsy may be necessary.

At Cariodontal, we use a device called a Velescope.