What is DIAGNOdent diagnostic laser and how does it work?

• DIAGNOdent uses laser technology to detect hidden or sub-surface caries by measuring laser fluorescence within the tooth structure.
• The device operates at a wavelength of 655 nm. At this specific wavelength, clean healthy tooth structure exhibits little or no fluorescence, resulting in very low scale readings on the display.
• Altered tooth substances and bacteria, including caries, will fluoresce. The DIAGNOdent will react with elevated scale readings on the display.
• The DIAGNOdent is an extremely accurate, reliable and non-invasive method to aid in caries detection. The device has been awarded the Seal of Acceptance by the American Dental Association.

DIAGNOdent offers the following benefits to you:

• Accurate - Over 90% accurate in detecting lesions not detectable with an explorer or X-rays. Sub-surface decay can be extremely difficult to detect using an explorer and is less than 50% accurate.
• No explorer - reduces the need to use a sharp pointed instrument pressing against the teeth.
• Early detection of decay - decay can be found while it is small, rather waiting until the cavity is big and more tooth structure has been destroyed.
• Confirms healthy tooth structure before sealants are applied
• Uses light energy to detect decay.  No radiation using the DIAGNOdent diagnostic laser.

Is there decay under the sealant below?.......................Yes!

This tooth looks decay free................................but the laser can tell us what is below.

Is this a little stain or a cavity? ......................... The laser can precisely know when it is decay.