Many people are accustomed to those sessions at the dentist wherein the dentist pokes and prods inside their mouth looking for cavities. We all understand the importance of maintaining clean and healthy teeth, and how the detection of cavities is paramount to accomplishing that. As a result, we are very accepting of the fact that this process is time consuming and uncomfortable. Well, that old procedure may be a thing of the past with the advent of the DIAGNOdent Laser by KaVo.
The DIAGNOdent Laser is the latest in cavity detection. This tool is much more efficient and reliable than the traditional method of cavity detection. The traditional method of detection is not one hundred percent effective. It’s more like fifty to seventy-percent effective. Why this statistic occurs is because this old method of detection only finds cavities that are bigger than the head of the tool doing the probing. This leaves out a large number of cavities that lie on fissure lines or on the occlusal surfaces of the teeth.
This situation is rectified by the DIAGNOdent Laser by KaVo. This laser is very efficient in how it works, and much less cumbersome than the traditional methods of detection. First, the laser takes a reading of a healthy surface of enamel on your teeth. Next, the DIAGNOdent Laser scans the rest of the teeth. If the laser detects an area that differs from the baseline reading, the laser reflects a fluorescent light on a wavelength different from the baseline reading. This alerts the dentist to a potential problem area so that further probing may be done. With a method such as this, the laser can detect the smallest signs of decay on a tooth, something that was not possible using the traditional method of detection.
The DIAGNOdent device consists of a wand and a monitor. The wand delivers harmless laser energy to the tooth, which the monitor translates into readings. The higher the reading, the greater the level of present tooth decay.
The readings are generally interpreted as:
- 10 to 15: No cavity detected
- 15 to 30: Preventive care recommended
- 30 and up: Treatment recommended
As you can see, the DIAGNOdent Laser by KaVo allows Dr. Anjoo Ely to detect cavities and potential trouble spots much more accurately than traditional methods. Furthermore, because the laser is so precise, x-rays are not needed to gauge the health of teeth. And finally, the process provides a level of comfort unheard of for the patient.
We are glad to offer the DIAGNOdent Laser by KaVo in our office in Novi. Our DIAGNOdent Laser is an integral part of our treatment, and we are happy that not only does it afford the best in cavity detection, but also the highest level of comfort for our patients. In addition to the DAIGNOdent Laser by KaVo, we now have the DIAGNOdent Perio Probe. Much like the DIAGNOdent Laser, the probe uses a laser; however, instead of looking for cavities, the DIAGNOdent Perio Probe examines the gum tissue for signs of periodontal disease.
If you have any questions regarding treatment, please feel free to call our dental office in Novi, and Dr. Anjoo Ely will answer any questions you may have.