Laser Detection of Invisible Decay
The widespread use of fluoride has made cavities more difficult to diagnose. Diagnodent allows the dentist to look inside the grooves of the tooth. The traditional way to check for cavities is by looking for visual signs of decay on the tooth, checking x-rays, or feeling for a soft area with a dental explorer. Even with these measures, cavities can go undiagnosed and continue to grow.
How can Diagnodent help me?
Diagnodent is a safe fluorescent laser that is able to detect hidden tooth decay quickly, accurately, and in the earliest stages. When a cavity is present, the Diagnodent will produce an audible signal due to fluorescent light of a different wavelength bouncing back to the sensor, which is then translated to a digital read-out. In general, the higher the number, the greater the amount of decay in the tooth.
You’ll benefit from our use of Diagnodent, because it helps us find decay that may have previously gone undetected. In most cases, by diagnosing decay early in its development means more treatment options and a greater chance of saving the affected tooth. Often times we are able to place a small restoration before more extensive damage occurs. This way your restorations will be less costly, and you’ll be able to retain more of your own natural, healthy tooth.
And if your tooth just has stain in the grooves, it assures us that no treatment is necessary.