Our team uses the DIAGNOdent™ during most regular check-ups to:

• Diagnose decay in teeth not yet visible on x-rays without exposure to radiation
•Provide early detection allowing teeth to be restored with minimally invasive techniques

An Easier Way to Find Decay
One of the most important things we do in our office is identify and fill cavities. Any spot of decay can affect the integrity of an entire tooth. Detection of decay is important in preventing more extensive and expensive dental problems. Probing with a dental explorer has been a part of the dental exam for years, but this method is only 50 to 75-percent successful as the probe head cannot reach inside the tooth and it can only identify those cavities that are equal or larger than the probe head. Cavities can hide along fissure lines or inside biting and occlusal surfaces. To make the process more comfortable and comprehensive, we use DIAGNOdent, a dental laser that finds cavities in the earliest stages.

How does the DIAGNOdent work?
Using a laser diode to inspect teeth, the DIAGNOdent compares reflection wavelength against a healthy baseline wavelength to uncover decay. First, we take a baseline reading by aiming the laser at one of your healthy enamel tooth surfaces. As it pulses into grooves, fissures and cracks, the laser reflects fluorescent light of a specific wavelength which is measured by receptors, converted to an acoustic signal, evaluated electronically to reveal a value between one and 100, and then the number is displayed on a screen. Any variation from the healthy baseline value stimulates emission of a different wavelength and alerts us to a weakened area of decay. Not surprisingly, this technology quickly and precisely identifies even the tiniest bit of decay. This results in smaller, easier fillings, preserving more tooth structure. x-rays cannot always diagnose decay inside a tooth or along the fissure lines or occlusal surfaces so the DIAGNOdent is instrumental in the diagnosis of the smallest amount of decay!