Regular dental exams and x-rays can miss as much as three-quarters of decay. In a study conducted by Berne University in Switzerland, dentists correctly diagnosed decay by visual inspection in only 57% of all cases. The same group achieved an impressive success rate of 90% with the DIAGNOdent. In fact, DIAGNOdent was far more accurate than any other method in the study including bitewing x-rays.

Certainly, large decay will be detected, but often by then, it's too late. At that point, you are looking at a more difficult restoration or treatment alternative ... in some cases, even a root canal. By catcing the decay early, Dr. Hofflich may greatly reduce your chances of any further complications.

 

How It Works:

The DIAGNOdent measures laser fluorescence within tooth structure. It helps to detect decay in the grooves of the back teeth without all the prodding done by a conventional probing instrument. At the specific wavelength that the DIAGNOdent laser operates, clean healthy tooth structure exhibits little or no fluorescence, resulting in a very low scale reading on the DIAGNOdent display. A tooth with decay will exhibit fluorescence, proportinal to the degree of caries, resulting in an elevated DIAGNOdent scale reading.