"Diagnodent" helps find smaller cavities.

This is a relatively new piece of equipment. We have been using it for years. We use it for virtually all of our patients. It is a pretty costly piece of equipment but we feel that you are worth it.

The Diagnodent allows us to find decay when it is much smaller than can be found by other diagnostic methods. This means that instead of tiny areas of decay going undetected they can be found earlier and a much smaller filling will be needed or perhaps just a sealant to restore the tooth after the decay is removed.

When smaller fillings or sealants are needed it is much better for the patient. There is less tooth destroyed by the decay. There is less irritation to the nerve within the tooth. There is less of a need for anesthetic. The remaining tooth is stronger because there is more of it. The filling will last longer because it is smaller. All of this makes the use of this advanced diagnostic device very beneficial.

The Diagnodent uses a safe optical laser with a light sensor that detects the changes that decay causes in the light that it reflects back [technically: "laser fluorescence"]. Unfortunately it also reacts to calculus or tartar on the tooth and to healed [remineralized] very small areas that were once starting to decay. There are some significant false positives that your dentist [me!] needs to sort out.

We plan on using this wonderful piece of equipment for the foreseeable future!