Shuman Dental Specialties

One of the most common treatments we as dentists do for our patients is to identify and fill cavities. Since even the smallest amount of decay can threaten an entire tooth, finding and filling cavities is the key to preventing future problems. That's why dentists spend time taking yearly x-rays and poking at your teeth with a sharp probe every time you have an exam. However, many people don't realize that these methods of decay detection are only 50% to 75% successful.

Here’s the problem: Cavities often hide inside and under the tiny crevices inside and under the chewing surfaces of your teeth and the probe head can’t penetrate these tiny, pin-size holes. For these reasons, a new FDA-Approved laser device was invented called the Diagnodent.

This laser scanner will often find cavities up to 5 or even 10 years before they would have otherwise been found. Using microdental techniques, the decay can then be removed, often without the need for getting numb when the cavities are tiny and very easy to fix. Early detection means less chance of cracked teeth, future crowns, root canals and other major treatment.

How It Works
Diagnodent technology uses a diode laser to compare your healthy tooth structure against unhealthy tooth structure also known as tooth decay. First, the laser is calibrated by shining it onto one of your healthy enamel tooth surfaces.

The laser is then shined into all the grooves and deep pits and crevices of your teeth. As the laser pulses into these areas, it reflects fluorescent light of a specific wavelength. If the fluorescent light comes back a different value than the healthy original baseline the Diagnodent will let your dentist know it. The device has an electronic number readout and an alarm type sound that gets louder as the cavity detected is found to be deeper or bigger.

Early Detection, Precise Correction
Using DIAGNOdent technology allows us to catch more areas of decay sooner and with more precision. Further, it requires no x-rays, and is a relatively comfortable procedure. Not only can it help prevent the spread of decay, but catching decay early means the fillings required are simpler and shallower, preserving more of the tooth. This allows us to use minimally invasive filling procedures. With this technology, we are now able to objectively monitor any suspicious areas without repeated x-rays, harm to tissues, or need for protective measures.