How do dentists know how deep and long to drill to make sure they got all the c!
Question:
How do dentists know how deep and long to drill to make sure they got all the cavity decay?
Answers:
Decayed dentin has a soft consistency when felt with an explorer (the hook-like "pick" instrument you see dentists use). Healthy dentin that has not been de-mineralized feels hard.
So when we are removing decay from a tooth, If there is nothing left but hard, healthy dentin, we know we removed all the decay and the tooth is ready to be filled back up.
Hope this helps!