DIAGNOdent: THE KEY TO PREVENTION

We believe prevention is best.

We believe prevention is best.

We believe prevention is best because it will reduce the need for future reconstructive dental procedures. With this technology we catch decay early. As a result, teeth incur less damage, and more natural tooth structure can be retained.

DIAGNOdent: more accurate than an x-ray this technology helps us find tooth decay and cavities the easy way.

You may not realize it, but even the tiniest spot of tooth decay can mean trouble for your teeth. That’s why we take such care to identify and fill cavities: it’s the key to preventing all kinds of trouble down the road. In the past, traditional detection has required lengthy poking and prodding sessions. Unfortunately, even the best methods are only 50% to 75% successful.

DIAGNOdent is the revolutionary new way to find even the smallest areas of tooth decay. In fact, with this technology, cavities that are not yet visible to the naked eye can be detected using a specific wavelength of light. Because of this, we can target and treat all of your problem areas before they turn into larger issues that require more complicated procedures.

How the DIAGNOdent Works

The DIAGNOdent uses laser fluorescence to aid in the detection of tooth decay within the tooth structure. As light is dispersed into the site, decayed tooth structure will exhibit fluorescence, proportionate to the degree of tooth decay, resulting in elevated scale readings on the display. Clean, healthy tooth structure exhibits little or no fluorescence and will result in very low scale readings on the display.

The DIAGNOdent operates using laser light. The light passes via an optical fiber to the area of decay. First, we direct the laser onto a healthy enamel tooth surface to provide the benchmark reading. Then, we move the diode around your mouth, shining the laser into all suspect areas. As the laser pulses into grooves, fissures and cracks, it reflects a specific wavelength of fluorescent light. At the same time, this light is measured by receptors, converted to an acoustic signal, evaluated electronically to reveal a value between one and 100, then displayed on a screen.

Whenever the laser encounters a discrepancy between a tooth surface and the healthy baseline value, it stimulates emission of a different fluorescent light wavelength. A reading of 10-20 indicates that there has been some enamel softening, pointing to a potential problem area that merits close monitoring. A reading of 21-100 indicates a definite area of decay requiring an immediate filling.

The Benefits of DIAGNOdent Laser Technology

DIAGNOdent technology gives us a tool for catching decay with more thoroughness, timeliness, and accuracy. Further, it requires no x-rays, so our staff doesn’t have to spend valuable patient care time in the darkroom. Plus, it’s a relatively simple and comfortable procedure. Not only does it help prevent the spread of decay, but it helps us to treat your teeth more conservatively as well: when we spot decay sooner, the necessary fillings are typically simpler and shallower, preserving more of the tooth. Finally, we can easily and objectively monitor any suspicious areas without repeated x-rays, harm to tissues, or need for protective measures.

THE KEY TO PREVENTION

DIAGNOdent

DIAGNOdent

We believe prevention is best because it will reduce the need for future reconstructive dental procedures. Our practice has been using this technology for many years, and we find it an incredibly accurate method for diagnosing and detecting tooth decay. When we find it early, teeth incur less damage, and more natural tooth structure can be retained during restoration. DIAGNOdent can also find areas prone to future decay. Now that’s something to smile about!