All cavities have one thing in common – they start small. Our DIAGNOdent laser scanner accurately locates cavities in their earliest and most treatable stages and before they become painful and harm the tooth structure! In other words, it keeps little problems from becoming big and costly problems.

Our DIAGNOdent scanner uses harmless laser light technology to relay precise information about the enamel surface, as well as reach grooves, fissures, cracks and other hard-to-check areas.

When used with standard dental instruments and X-ray technology, the scanner is proven to be over 90% accurate – uncovering decay often missed by conventional examination methods. In addition, we can use it to monitor the progression of cavities over time with precise and reliable measurements.

DIAGNOdent FAQ


Q: It is painful?
A: The DIAGNOdent is totally painless. The energy it releases is similar to that of a laser pointer, meaning that the beam is harmless to surrounding tissues.

Q: What are the disadvantages of the traditional techniques such as probing and x-ray imaging?
A: As much as 50% of tooth decay can go undetected by traditional methods of probing and other methods.

Q: How long has the technology been used?
A: The device has been in use in Europe for many years, and the FDA has approved the use of the cavity-detecting laser by dentists in the U.S several years ago.

Q: Where does most tooth decay begin?
A: Most tooth decay begins in the "valleys" and "canyons" of the tooth surface.

Q: Why can’t x-rays find cavities located in the "valleys" and "canyons?"
A: Valley and canyon cavities are often difficult to find using x-rays because of the direction from which the images are taken. Images are taken from the side of teeth, which generally hides the cavity from detection.

Q: If DIAGNOdent is effective at detecting hard-to-find cavities, then are x-rays still needed?
A: Yes. X-rays are a critical diagnostic tool because they are effective at finding cavities in between teeth and on the roots. DIAGNOdent is effective at finding cavities on the tooth’s surface. In this sense, x-rays and DIAGNOdent complement one other.

Q: How does DIAGNOdent work?
A: The first step is to calibrate the DIAGNOdent to your unique tooth structure by scanning a tooth surface with a painless laser. After this step, we will scan your teeth. A countertop unit gives off an audio signal and registers a digital read-out, which identifies cavities growing below the tooth surface. The greater the amount of fluorescence found by the machine, the more decay there is in the tooth.

Q: How long does the DIAGNOdent process take?
A: Scanning all of your teeth takes just a few minutes.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: We use the DIAGNOdent laser as a routine part of an exam and there is no extra fee associated with it.

Q: Can DIAGNOdent be used around preexisting composite resin restorations?
A: No. This is because the composite resins can fluoresce, causing high readings.

Q: Can DIAGNOdent detect a cavity under an existing amalgam?
A: If there is a cavity at the margin, the DIAGNOdent will give an accurate result. However if the cavity is under the floor of the amalgam, then the reading will be inaccurate.

Q: Can DIAGNOdent be used successfully on both primary and permanent teeth?
A: Yes it can.

Q: Because a laser is used, is protective eye wear needed?
A: No. The device is harmless to the eyes when used properly.