In the past, a dentist could only detect a cavity through x-rays or by probing and catching a sticky pit in the reachable grooves of your teeth. While this is certainly effective, it typically means that the area of decay has already damaged notable tooth structure and is already large enough to require a filling or other restoration. Now, dentists have access to sophisticated laser technology in modern dentistry. DIAGNOdent cavity detection system has revolutionized the way your dentist diagnosis and treats tooth decay. The DIAGNOdent is a laser detection tool that reveals cavities before they are visible to the naked eye and even before they show up on an x-ray. This means early intervention to protect your teeth from further damage as well as the potential for more conservative and cost-saving treatment options.
How Does DIAGNOdent Work?
The DIAGNOdent system uses a laser to find interproximal cavities (between the teeth) as well as those beneath the tooth’s surface (before they reach the enamel). Rest assured that the process is quick and painless. DIAGNOdent first sends laser beams onto healthy tooth material to get a baseline reflection wavelength. Next, the laser scans each tooth to measure the tooth’s structure and detect areas of decay where the reflection wavelength changes. The system reads the fluorescence of each tooth and provides an audio signal and digital readout to notify the dentist where there are areas of concern. DIAGNOdent is safe for both children and adults.
The Perks of Laser Cavity Detection
Now that you know how it works, let’s discuss the remarkable advantages that DIAGNOdent provides over conventional cavity detection methods. Benefits of this breakthrough laser cavity detection device include:
- More precise and accurate – no guesswork in cavity diagnosis
- Detects cavities at the earliest possible stage
- Allows immediate treatment of decay – possibly helping patients avoid extra drilling or more invasive repairs
- Very safe – no radiation, only a safe light energy
- Protects and preserves more healthy tooth structure
- Painless – a non-invasive scanning process so you can relax
At Gilreath Family Dentistry, we are proud to give patients state-of-the-art dental care so they can receive more effective, more comfortable and safer dental procedures. Call us today to find out more about DIAGNOdent laser cavity detection!
Posted on behalf of Dr. Paul Gilreath IV,