Utilizing DIAGNOdent, we can find cavities early while less-invasive and less-costly treatments are still available.
Utilizing a high-tech laser system, Dr. Omeltschenko can use laser light to help detect and quantify cavities. The laser detects cavities at the earliest possible stage allowing Dr. Omeltschenko to use less invasive treatment methods, such as fuloride, sealants or drill-less fillings. Less invasive treatments are also less costly than more involved procedures. Studies have shown laser cavity detection to be the most accurate method of finding cavities.
What Is DIAGNOdent?
DIAGNOdent is a high-tech laser system that utilizes laser light to help detect and quantify cavities. It detects cavities at the earliest possible stage allowing dentists to use less invasive treatment methods, such as fluoride, sealants or air abrasion restorations.
How Does It Work?
DIAGNOdent measures the fluorescence within teeth. The laser light, attached to a countertop display unit, is used to scan the surface of a tooth and measure the reflected laser light energy, sending a readout to the display unit. A clean healthy tooth will exhibit little to no fluorescence, resulting in a low reading on the display. A tooth with present decay will exhibit fluorescence in proportion to the size of the decay, resulting in a higher reading on the display.
Is DIAGNOdent Accurate?
Yes. In a study conducted by Dr. Lussi of Berne University, Switzerland, general dentists correctly diagnosed cavities by visual inspection and probing in 58% of cases and by x-rays in 67% of cases. The same group achieved a success rate of 90% using DIAGNOdent.
Why Are Probing And Bitewing X-Rays No Longer Enough?
Conventional methods of diagnosing cavities, such as manually probing with an explorer tip and/or taking bitewing x-rays, are generally inadequate. With the fluoridation of water and improved oral hygiene standards, the nature of tooth decay has changed. The outer surfaces of teeth are stronger and more resistant to decay. However, an almost undetectable area of decay can penetrate the outer tooth surface and aggressively spread towards the soft surfaces of the tooth, literally destroying the tooth from the inside out. Often the area of the tooth where the decay penetrated is so tiny that it is not detected by a manual explorer tip. Bitewing x-rays, although effective in revealing stages of advanced decay, are unsuccessful in detecting early cavities, especially in the complex anatomy of fissure areas.
What Are The Benefits Of Using DIAGNOdent?
- DIAGNOdent finds decay at the earliest possible stage so less invasive treatment methods can be utilized such as fluoride, sealants or air abrasion restorations.
- When decay is detected early, treatment options are less expensive.
- DIAGNOdent is more accurate than standard cavity detection, thus giving a patient added confidence that any cavities have been found