The Laser Finds Cavities That Are Often Missed
Austin Dental Laser Cavity Detection
“To help us detect the invisible, before it becomes a problem!”
What is DIAGNOdent?
IDIAGNOdent is a revolutionary means of detecting dental caries at the earliest possible stage, so that the most appropriate treatment can be designed for you. By catching decay early we are able to prevent it from spreading, thus preserving more of the tooth structure. This allows us to use minimally invasive filling procedures since fillings will be simpler and shallower. We are also able to objectively monitor any suspicious areas without repeated x-rays, harm to tissue, or need for protective measures.
The accuracy of diagnosing hidden cavities is extremely challenging, but with the help of DIAGNOdent technology, we are able to diagnose decay earlier than ever before! DIAGNOdent technology uses a simple laser diode to inspect your teeth comparing reflection wavelength against a known healthy baseline wavelength to uncover decay.
How we find cavities with a dental Laser
First we aim the laser onto one of your healthy enamel tooth surfaces to give us a benchmark reading. Then, we continue on around your mouth, shining the laser into all suspect areas. As the laser pulses into grooves, fissures and cracks, it reflects fluorescent light of a specific wavelength. This light is measured by receptors, converted to an acoustic signal, evaluated electronically to reveal a value between 1 and 100, and then displayed on a screen.
Anytime the laser encounters a surface that reads differently than the healthy baseline value, it stimulates emission of fluorescent light of a different wavelength. A reading of 10-20 indicates some enamel softening, pointing to a potential problem area that merits close monitoring. A reading of 21-100 indicates a definite area of decay requiring a filling.
What are the benefits of the cavity finding dental laser
- Decay is caught sooner and with more precision, allowing for less invasive, pain-free treatments
- Requires no x-rays.
- Extremely accurate diagnostic aid, proven to be over 90% accurate.
- No scratching probe: simple, fast, and painless examination.
- Avoids unnecessary exploratory excavation of suspect teeth.