Expert: Joel S. Teig, DMD, Diplomate ABOMS, retired - 12/22/2009

Question
QUESTION: Dr. Teig, in your opinion do you think that digital x-rays are more accurate or the traditional film strips are more accurate?

My second question is, when checking for cavities, when a dentist uses an "explorer" to check for cavities, if nothing is sicking to the tooth or the filling, is that a sure way of telling there's no cavities present? Does cavity always develop from the outside where the explorer will stick? Thank you!

ANSWER: jeremiah - Digital xrays are more accurate for some situations, but the traditional film is adequate for many.  Usually it is the doctors choice of comfort and his ability to diaganose that helps define his need.

If decay is surface oriented, the explorer should stick into the decay, if it is found by the dentist.  Just by running an explorer over a tooth quickly tells very little.  A combination of xrays, direct observation and use of the explorer is needed to fully diagnose decay.  It can sometimes be hidden in a spot where the explorer cannot get to.  

Cavities usually develop from the outside, but if a filling or a crown was placed that did not adequately seal the tooth, saliva can gain access under the filling and decay can begin there.

If you have additional questions, feel free to contact me again.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: All my teeth were checked with an explorer, and nothing stuck. Then I was x-rayed by the film strips and nothing showed. Yet my digital x-rays showed some cavities. So, I'm not sure which one to choose. What do you think? Also, if I am chewing gum and the fillings or the tooth kind of hurts, does that mean something is wrong, or can that just be sensitivity?

ANSWER: Jeremiah = If something does show on the digital film and you are having sensitivity when you chew gum it means that something is probably there causing the pain.  Sensitivity is really not true pain but an irritation.  So if you are having pain, you need those areas drilled to remove the decay causing the pain.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I want to know who is the best kind of dentist to go for grinding and clenching issues so they can determine if that is the case before buying a nightguard?

Who is the best dentist for root fractures and tooth fractures? I don't want to go to the wrong type of dentist and pay for a consultation for stuff they are not experts on. Thank you!  

Answer
Jeremiah -  The best dentist is a difficult question.  I think, in general, a dental specialist called a prosthodontist is probably the best for both the grinding and clenching.  Thst type to do tooth fractures.  Root fractures cannot be repaired, but if necessary, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is the best to remove a fractured root.  I wish you well and hope you can be made comfortable soon.