The use of laser technology is becoming quite common throughout the healthcare industry. Are you aware that we can now use it to detect tooth decay? Here at Douglas Weber, D.D.S. in Lancaster, CA, we use DIAGNOdent Classic. Using a small, handheld device, can help detect tooth decay that is not yet visible and would otherwise be undiagnosed by conventional methods alone. Dr. Weber is proud to offer this dental technology to patients, allowing us to detect cavities earlier. Early detection allows you and Dr. Weber time to determine the best treatment plan possible to help preserve your teeth and your overall health.
This laser technology that Dr. Weber’s dental office uses is minimally invasive and conservative approach. It is simple, painless, and proven to be 90% accurate. Patients also avoid x-ray exposure with the use of lasers. For more information about DIAGNOdent Classic
Traditional methods of detecting tooth decay are much more accurate and efficient when laser technology is included by your dentist. You can expect:
- dramatically improved early cavity detection
- reduced size and possibly number of fillings that might be needed, thus possibly lowering the cost of dental treatments
- reduced chances of unnecessary exploration of teeth that are suspected to have cavities
Here’s how it works
Using this noninvasive technology, we scan your teeth to examine your tooth structure. Laser cavity detection is based on the fact that healthy tooth structure reflects light, or “fluoresces,” differently than does decayed tooth structure. Healthy teeth will have little-to-no fluorescence while teeth with decay display with a higher level of fluorescence. And the higher the fluorescence, the more advanced the tooth decay. Once we complete the scan, the fluorescence readings are converted into a digital numeric output. You will also “hear” when you have decay present, as changes in fluorescence and numeric value are emitted as an audio signal that goes up in tone as it denotes the presence of decay.
Why is this so important?
Today, it may be more difficult to detect tooth decay thanks to improved oral hygiene, the use of fluoridated toothpaste, and the mass-consumption of fluoridated tap water. While the field of dentistry has recognized fluoride as an indispensible tool for protecting teeth by hardening enamel, it is this same fluoride that has hardened tooth enamel so much that it can conceal even aggressive decay because of increased hardness of the enamel surface. As a result, seemingly healthy teeth, even with the use of traditional x-rays, can make tooth decay difficult to find.
Furthermore, prior to using a laser scanner, dentists depended upon x-rays and using fine picks to identify cavities. However, by using our laser technology, we are able to now have about a 90% accuracy rate for identifying suspicious areas and cavities. This translates to earlier detection, less tooth structure loss resulting in stronger teeth, less time spent in our dental chair, and, ultimately, a financial savings to you.