DIAGNOdent Cavity Detection

There has been a fundamental shift over the last 50 years as to how teeth decay. Although there are many factors to be considered, the introduction of supplemental Fluoride has markedly decreased the mean number of teeth that develop decay and require treatment. Because Fluoride hardens the outer layer of protective enamel, it changes how decay progresses. Traditional tools used in dentistry are no longer adequate to detect decay in its earliest stages.

Aside from magnification, we use DIAGNOdent, a small handheld laser that objectively measures a known characteristic of enamel. It has the capability to distinguish between healthy and diseased tooth structure. A digital readout showing changes in the relative density of effected tooth structure gives us an objective measure of decay. Low numbers may indicate an area that has the potential for "healing". Monitoring the area over time to assess progression or remission now has an objective measure.

Early recognition of a developing problem area allows for less invasive solutions. Treatment can be simpler and less costly.