In order to catch cavities and decay at an earlier stage, our dentist, Dr. Merrily Sandford, and our team use the CariVu™ cavity detection system to spot decay and treat it as soon as possible. If you are looking for a dental practice that uses CariVu™ cavity detection in Austin, Texas, please call 512-263-8284 to set up an appointment with us.

How Does It Work?


The CariVu™ cavity detection system is a state-of-the-art technology used to diagnose tooth decay before it can develop enough to cause serious damage to your teeth and smile. Using this laser-based cavity detection system, our dentist can diagnose and treat cavities in the earliest stages of development, often before they become visible to the eye.

CariVu™ technology is quick and comfortable to use. It detects tooth decay by using:

  • Near-infrared light that causes natural tooth structure to take on a transparent appearance and decayed tooth structure to appear darkened, similar to what you would see on a standard dental X-ray.
  • A patented light source and electronic system. This system is housed in a lightweight handpiece that is easily maneuverable.
  • Images that are transmitted directly to our office software to give a near-instantaneous image.
  • Flexible, comfortable tips that are minimally invasive, comfortable and easy for our team to sanitize and disinfect afterwards.

The high-quality images captured by the CariVu™ system can be displayed side-by-side with regular X-rays and other images of your teeth and supporting oral structures to give a more comprehensive view of your mouth and oral health. Additionally, this cavity detection system does not expose you to radiation and is a very safe option for children, pregnant women and patients who are averse to X-rays.

For more information about CariVu™ cavity detection and to schedule an appointment with our dentist, please contact our office today.