A Revolutionary Way to Spot Decay
One of the most important things we do for our patients is to identify
areas of decay and fill cavities. Since even the smallest spot can threaten
the integrity of the entire tooth, detecting and stopping the spread of
decay is key to preventing further problems of all kinds. Historically,
that's why lengthy poking and prodding sessions have been a necessary,
though not comfortable, part of typical dental exams. However, you may
be surprised to learn that such methods of decay detection are only 50%
to 75% successful. Cavities often hide along fissure lines, or inside
biting or occlusal surfaces. Further, these mechanical exploratory methods
are limited to finding only those cavities that are equal to or larger
than the probe head. However, there's now a revolutionary, new cavity
detection technology that's incredibly fast, unbeatably thorough, and
nearly imperceptible to the patient: DIAGNOdent.
Laser Light Shows What's Not Right
DIAGNOdent technology uses a simple laser diode to inspect your teeth,
comparing reflection wavelength against a known healthy baseline wavelength
to reveal decay. How? 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
one and 100, 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.
Early Detection Means Near Perfection
Using DIAGNOdent technology allows us to catch more areas of decay sooner
and with more precision. In fact, we're finding that we uncover up to
70% more cavities than we could previously. So you can leave our office
knowing with confidence that we've caught and stopped any decay. And of
course, this early detection means that cavities are still quite small,
requiring only simple, shallow fillings and allowing minimally invasive
filling procedures such as drill-free air abrasion. Further, DIAGNOdent
requires no x-rays, and is a relatively comfortable procedure. Finally,
it helps us reveal even slightly suspicious areas, allowing us to objectively
monitor them without repeated x-rays, tissue irritation, or need for protective
measures.
back to library
|
