Diagnodent Laser Cavity Detection
Diagnodent laser technology is a state-of-the-art cavity detection tool that compliments visual exams and dental X-rays. For young children, using this laser tool comes in handy when taking X-rays to check for dental caries may be more of a challenge. But laser cavity detection is also great for adults; especially those who have deep grooves and crevices on their molars (back teeth) or pitted enamel.
Instead of using a thin metal explorer and tactile senses to feel for tiny cavities in a tooth structure, optical sciences using new technology can peer into the tooth and measure its density.
The Diagnodent laser cavity detection tool is a pen-shaped device that we trace over the surface of enamel, particularly along the chewing surfaces. Since cavity-causing bacteria can create microscopic openings in your tooth that only special light and fluorescence devices can measure, the Diagnodent tool uses tooth-safe laser technology to evaluate the density of your tooth structure in that specific area.
The light beam inside of the Diagnodent tool bounces in and out of your enamel, allowing the technology to see exactly how dense your tooth is. The denser your tooth, the less likely there is any type of structural damage or decay. Diagnodent also allows us to measure the strength of demineralized areas, being able to compare them to healthy enamel to continually monitor your smile’s overall level of wellness.
How to Know if You Have a Cavity
Our dentist or hygienist will use the Diagnodent early detection tool to identify hidden caries during your dental exam. The small, pen-shaped device is carefully traced over more cavity-prone surfaces, like the deep grooves of back teeth, or tiny pits on sides of teeth. The Diagnodent display will show a reading, with a range of numbers to indicate healthy tooth structure or weak areas (with suspected tooth decay.)
Depending on the reading, our dentists can then determine if the tooth requires treatment, such as a small filling. Weaker readings may be monitored, with that area evaluated at your recurring checkups (improved oral hygiene and fluoride use can be beneficial.)
Will I Need an X-ray?
Dental X-rays are ideal for pinpointing cavities that are hidden down between teeth, out of plain sight. They also help our dentists assess the extent of dental cavities down below the deep grooves on your chewing surfaces. You may have what looks like a completely healthy smile, but decay can still lurk and grow in areas that are difficult to assess. When lasers can’t reach certain spaces of your mouth, X-rays compliment your dental health exam.
What to Expect
During your dental exam, we will use the Diagnodent tool to gently trace over your cleaned tooth surfaces (so that all bacteria and buildup have been removed.) First, we’ll calibrate the laser to healthy enamel in your mouth, so that any readings are compared against this specific point.
Then, we will place the tip of the pen at the deepest pits and grooves in the hard-to-reach areas of your smile, where a toothbrush is more prone to missing food debris or plaque bacteria. The remote display will show a reading and possibly trigger an audio alert (usually a small beep) if the area is questionable.
Why is Laser Detection So Important?
When treating tooth decay, the earlier cavities are intercepted, the more tooth structure we’re able to preserve. As such, early screening tools are essential. When we catch cavities in their early stages, we can stop the infection and prevent the spread of decay into adjacent, healthy teeth.
Now that we have light technology available, it’s possible to identify potential areas of weak enamel or early cavities before they can be seen, felt, or identified on an X-ray. Essentially, laser dentistry stops cavities earlier, meaning fewer and less invasive treatments for our patients and their families in the years ahead. In fact, if our dentists can detect weak enamel before a full cavity has ruptured through the tooth, a filling may not be necessary at all. Minimally invasive sealants, fluoride varnishes, or a no-needle filling may be completely doable.