With DIAGNODENT
Laser technology is becoming quite commonplace in a wide variety of areas throughout the healthcare industry;
but did you know that it can now be used to detect tooth decay? Today, using a small, handheld device, the DIAGNODENT
it is possible to detect tooth decay that is not yet visible and would otherwise be undiagnosed by conventional methods alone.
Here's how it works
Using this noninvasive technology, your teeth are scanned to examine their structure. Laser cavity detection is based on the fact
that healthy tooth structure reflects light, or “fluoresces,” differently than does decayed tooth structure. Healthy teeth will have
little-to-no fluorescence while teeth with decay display with a higher level of fluorescence. And the higher the fluorescence, the
more advanced the tooth decay. Once the scan is complete, the fluorescence readings are converted into a digital numeric output.
You will also “hear” when you have decay present, as changes in fluorescence and numeric value are emitted as an audio signal
that goes up in tone as it denotes the presence of decay.
Why is this so important?
Why? It's probably due in part to improved oral hygiene, and, ironically,
the increased use of fluoride in toothpaste and in tap water. While fluoride
has proven invaluable at protecting teeth by hardening their outer enamel
surface, that increased hardness can sometimes conceal even aggressive decay.
As a result, tooth decay can be difficult to find, even with the use of traditional x-rays.
Furthermore, prior to using a laser scanner, dentists depended upon x-rays
and using fine picks to identify cavities. However, using laser technology provides
about a 90% accuracy rate for identifying suspicious areas and cavities. This translates
to earlier detection, less tooth structure loss resulting in stronger teeth, less time spent
in the dental chair, and, ultimately, a financial savings to you.
Benefits you can expect
- Dramatically improved early cavity detection
- Reduced size of cavities treated preserving tooth structure
- Better chances cavities can be treated with no shots and no drilling (See Air Abrasion)
-Reduced chances of exploratory excavation of teeth suspected of having decay