DIAGNOdent Laser Caries Detection
Locating hidden decay before it destroys tooth structure (from the inside out) is a major goal for modern dentistry. The widespread use of fluoride supplements in dental materials, toothpastes and drinking water has made tooth surfaces harder and more resistant to decay. However, diagnosing cavities beneath the hard surface is more challenging because the disease process can start through microscopic defects in the hard surface enamel and can readily spread into the softer tooth structure beneath the surface.
X-rays and probing with an explorer are limited in detecting sub surface decay, particularly when the cavity is in its early stages. Fortunately, among our newest technologies is a small laser instrument called the DIAGNOdent, which allows us to monitor the areas below the hard surfaces. This unique instrument painlessly scans your teeth with harmless laser light searching for hidden decay. The DIAGNOdent allows us to locate, and with treatment stop the spread of disease before it destroys the tooth from within.