---
title: "What Is Caries detection? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "Caries detection is how dentists find tooth decay. They look at the teeth, feel them with a probe when needed, and use X-rays to see between teeth."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/caries-detection
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Technology and Imaging

# Caries detection

Caries detection is how dentists find tooth decay. They look at the teeth, feel them with a probe when needed, and use X-rays to see between teeth.

Caries is the dental word for cavities. The ADA lists several ways to find them. Obvious lesions can be seen on a simple visual exam. A dentist may also use a probe to feel roughness or softness, though pressing hard with a probe can damage enamel. Radiographs, such as [bitewings](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bitewing-x-ray), can show decay between teeth.

Dentists also assess risk. They look at your diet, saliva, fluoride use, and past cavities. Finding decay early can allow treatment that is simpler. In the early stage, [remineralization](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/remineralization) may help the enamel recover.

A regular [dental exam](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-exam) is where this check takes place. Read more on [cavities](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cavity-dental-caries).

[Town Center Dental can helpDental Exam](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-exam)

## Related terms

-   [Bitewing X-ray](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/bitewing-x-ray)
-   [Remineralization](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/remineralization)
-   [Cavity (dental caries)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cavity-dental-caries)
-   [Digital X-ray](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/digital-x-ray)

## Sources

1.  [ADA: Caries Risk Assessment and Management](https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/caries-risk-assessment-and-management)
2.  [MedlinePlus: Dental x-rays](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003801.htm)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)