Diagnodent Laser Cavity Detection
Platte City, MO
Cavities are one of the most common dental issues, affecting children and adults alike. Dental exams are a crucial part of detecting the presence of cavities in their earliest stages, enabling you to get the treatment you need before the cavities become more significant. While we can see many types of cavities with visual exams and digital x-rays, there are some cavities that develop inside of the teeth, out of view of both the naked eye and digital technology. Platte Valley Dental Care can help to spot the most elusive decay with Diagnodent laser cavity detection.
What are Cavities?Cavities are an incredibly common dental issue. They are small pits in your teeth that form as a result of tooth decay. However, how does decay form? Decay occurs when the acids produced by plaque and bacteria are left on the surfaces of your teeth for too long. These acids begin to erode your protective tooth enamel, leading to the formation of weak spots. Eventually, these spots can develop into pits. Without treatment, they continue to grow larger and deeper, compromising the strength of the affected tooth as well as its health. What is Diagnodent Laser Cavity Detection?Your regular dental exams are essential for detecting cavities. We can spot decay on the surfaces of your teeth with a visual inspection of your teeth. Digital x-rays can detect decay and cavities between your teeth. However, cavities can also develop under the surface of your teeth, and these cavities cannot be seen with either the naked eye or with x-rays. This is where Diagnodent laser cavity detection comes into play. Diagnodent uses fluorescent light to detect hidden decay and cavities, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing more serious consequences from developing. How Does Diagnodent Work?Diagnodent laser cavity detection is a quick, simple, completely painless way to check your teeth for hidden decay and cavities. After cleaning your teeth, the Diagnodent laser is used to scan your teeth. The laser emits a harmless beam of fluorescent light into your mouth. The light bounces back to the laser diode. Healthy teeth reflect little to no fluorescent light while decay and cavities reflect larger amounts. The Diagnodent laser is attached to a base, which reads the fluorescence and reflects it in a number. The higher the number displayed on the base, the greater the amount of decay. The laser also emits a noise when it detects decay. Benefits of DiagnodentDiagnodent provides many benefits: | • |
Scanning your teeth takes only a few minutes to complete.
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Scanning is completely painless. There is no need to poke or prod your teeth to check for decay. This can be a great benefit for patients with dental fears and anxiety.
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We can detect the presence of decay that cannot be seen with the naked eye or with digital x-rays.
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With early detection, we can provide you with earlier treatment. With early treatment, fillings are generally shallower and less invasive.
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The fluorescent light is completely harmless. It can be used at every dental appointment. |
Diganodent, in conjunction with traditional cavity detection methods, can help to detect the most elusive decay in your teeth, helping you to get the treatment you need to prevent more serious consequences. For more information about Diagnodent, contact Platte Valley Dental Care at (816)858-2027 today. |
