Everett dentist, Dentist in Everett, WA

Laser Cavity Detection
It used to be that your dentist had two main ways to find a cavity in your tooth: X-rays or by probing your tooth with an explorer. Recently, technological advances have provided a third way of detecting decay that has some real advantages for you. It is called fluorescent laser scanning.

How does it work? During dental exams, Dr. Prete routinely shines a small laser scanner on the parts of your teeth that are at risk for decay. The scanner senses decay hiding under the enamel, and returns a numerical score that helps Dr. Prete decide whether your cavity needs to be repaired now. And best of all, the laser scanner uses no radiation and you, the patient, feel no sensation whatsoever.

The health benefit to you is that your dental cavities are discovered when they are smaller - which means your tooth can be repaired with less drilling while preserving more of your natural tooth.