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DIAGNOdent - Diagnostic Tool

With the inception of embedding fluoride into tap water, dentistry has seen a decrease in dental caries (or cavities) over the past decade or so. Decreased dental caries means healthier, more esthetically pleasing teeth. In an effort to keep patient’s teeth healthy and beautiful, the dental field has developed new technology to detect caries earlier and more reliably.

While this technology is not new to Smile Station Dental, I thought I would take this opportunity to explain how it works and why we use it. The DIAGNOdent uses wavelengths to scan over the tooth. A healthy tooth will have little to no fluorescence. When the tooth has some decay, even decay hidden to the naked eye or not yet detectable by radiograph or explorer, the tooth will exhibit fluorescence relating to the degree of severity of the decay. The sound, along with the number reading, allows me to know the depth of the decay present in the tooth

There are many benefits to this alternative form of decay diagnosis. Dental decay can be diagnosed earlier and may save the patient the time and money it takes getting the cavity filled. Early detection also means the restoration necessary will be smaller and more of the natural tooth can be preserved. The DIAGNOdent also does not employ x-rays, therefore cutting down on the exposure to radiation (although this is not sufficient to detect all dental problems and therefore should not replace the use of radiographs). This technology is also fast, easy, and painless as the hygienist just runs the sensor over the teeth without the use of a dental explorer.

A study conducted in Switzerland by Dr. Lussi found that visual inspection only diagnosed 57% of hidden decay while the DIAGNOdent correctly diagnosed 90%.  This technology is a safe, reliable way to diagnose hidden occlusal dental caries that would otherwise be missed until the decay progresses.

Source: DIAGNOdent Classic (2010). In KaVo. Retrieved June 25, 2012, from http://www.kavousa.com/US/DIAGNOdent/Classic/Benefits.aspx

R. Eric Emery, DDS

Smile Station Dental

2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400

St. Louis, MO 63122

(314)821-7100

smilestationdental.com

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