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New Technology Can Reduce Drilling At The Dentist

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Aug 26, 2008 5:50 pm US/Eastern

New Technology Can Reduce Drilling At The Dentist

BOSTON (WBZ) ― We all know somebody - perhaps yourself - who hates going to the dentist. That trip may soon become a lot less painful, thanks to some new technology.

Gone are the days when X-rays were the only way to see into your teeth. The latest tooth technology helps illuminate problems before the drill.

"There are things that I would've fixed 10 to 15 years ago I don't have to touch anymore," explained cosmetic dentist Dr. William Domb.

Researchers in the U.K. are developing a new tool to spot tooth decay before it begins.

"That special microscope is called OCT," Domb said. "It looks at chemicals and tells us where they are."

The lasers could be available commercially in 5 years but in the interim there is a buffet of other tools like the Difoti unit or DIAGNOdent.

"We can actually measure the amount of decay to a number," Dr. Combs said. "Is this a tooth we fix or not?"

Dental experts say every instrument comes with limitations.

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