DIAGNOdent Early Tooth Decay Detection

The KaVo DIAGNOcam is a whole new approach to detecting tooth decay and cavities. The device replaces conventional X-rays with light waves that helps the dentist detect the presence of tooth decay in its earliest stage. Any tiny lesions are detected well before tooth decay has a chance to develop.

Face Value Dental can help to safeguard and preserve your teeth while providing you with the earliest possible detection. Promising early cavities detection, the DIAGNOcam also allows your dentist to use the latest techniques for restoring teeth.

How does it work?

KaVo DIAGNOcam uses the structures of the tooth as light conductors. Simultaneously, a digital video camera captures the context.

The device emits a pulsed beam of a defined wavelength that is directed onto the tooth. The presence of a tooth decay stimulates an altered wavelength of the fluorescent light, which DiagnoDent picks up as an acoustic signal.

The wavelength is interpreted by the electronic system in the KaVo DiagnoDent control unit as a number value. The laser device is so accurate that it can detect cavities smaller than the tip of the dental explorer, traditionally used by dentists.

What are the benefits of early decay detection?

As we as detecting the minutest problems at an early stage, the DiagnoDent unit also has the following benefits:

• Improves diagnostic in the fissure area (“valleys” in the tooth),
• monitors caries and their development,
• affords minimally invasive treatment,
• preserves healthy tooth substance,
• improves preventive therapy and
• preserves health tooth substance.

When any decay is detected and treated earlier, the dentist will be able to prevent new decay from developing into a serious dental issue, this saves the patient discomfort, time and money in the long run.

What is a typical procedure like?

The device is calibrated before starting diagnosis. After the teeth have been cleaned, they are scanned. If there are cavities present, the handheld laser diode would locate and identify the problem area and send the data to an attached recording device. The amount of fluorescence emitted would allow the dentist to ascertain the degree of the decay.

The cavity diagnosis procedure is painless, exerting a tiny energy level similar to what is produced by a simple laser pointer. The laser beam does not in any way harm the soft tissues in the mouth.

Does DiagnoDent work on milk teeth?

Yes. The device provides an accurate reading detecting cavities in both primary and permanent teeth.

Aren’t dental probes and X-rays enough to detect cavities?

Although the fluoride ingredient in toothpastes and water has strengthened the teeth enamel and made them more resistant to decay, it fails to offer effective protection for the pits and valleys.

The use of conventional diagnostic methods such as x-rays may not be accurate enough to detect cavities, especially in regions when they are hidden from specific angles of view. It should be noted, however, that while DiagnoDent is used to find cavities on the teeth surface, X-rays are able to probe deeper on the roots as well as in between teeth.

Whether due to the location or size of the cavity, dental probes may be too large to detect certain cavities. In particular, cavities detection in pits and fissures is difficult because the tooth surface often appears intact. The DiagnoDent’s laser provides pin-point accurate evaluation of the tooth’s actual condition.

To book your appointment, please give us a call on (07) 3221 0677. Our friendly team is committed to providing you with high quality care.

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