Conservative dental medicine

This examination uses a fine, pointed probe to test for surface defects in the enamel. If the probe remains stuck when probing the fissures, this is a sure sign of dentin softening.

The standard x-ray image in caries diagnostics is an imaging of the bite wing or of the individual tooth. This is done to search specifically for caries near the contact points between the teeth (approximal caries) and dentin caries created in the depth of the fissures.

On an x-ray image, caries appears as a dark spot. X-rays are less absorbed in dental areas with mineral loss or defects and thus blacken the film.

One diagnostic aid in the anterior tooth area is the x-ray of contact points between incisors. A polymerisation lamp can be used as a light source. In contrast to healthy enamel, caries will appear darker.

A further diagnostic aid is a sensitivity test. The detection of increased dental sensitivity can be an indication of hidden caries. The simplest way to perform this test is with cold spray, during which cotton wool is sprayed with a special, rapidly evaporating agent. Stronger pain can be triggered especially in teeth with acute pulpitis but also in teeth with broad pulpal cavities (e.g., in young people). A further option is electrical pulpal irritation with special devices. If sensitivity cannot be triggered, this indicates a devital tooth.