Diagnodent Exams

Locating hidden decay before it destroys tooth structure (from inside out) is a major goal of modern dentistry , the widespread use of fluoride supplements in dental materials, tooth paste and drinking water has made the tooth surfaces harder and more resistant to decay.

However, Diagnosing cavities beneath the hard surfaces is more challenging because the disease process can start though microscopic defects in the hard surface enamel and can readily spread into the softer tooth structure beneath the surface. Diagnodent provides an instant feedback on the health of the tooth. A pen like probe simply glides over the tooth surfaces constantly checking the health of the tooth. A number of scale and an alarm signals the dentist when there are signs of hidden decay . This new technology is completely safe and pain free.

Diagnodent is the new cutting edge technology in detecting decay. Early detection of problems minimize the expenses related to major tooth repair. New technologies take us a giant step forward to helping you achieve the goal of minimally invasive dentistry.

The Diagnodent device measures laser fluorescence within the tooth structure. As the laser is spreading into the tooth, this special device will measure the reflected light from the tooth. At a certain wavelength which the device is programmed to work, clean healthy tooth structure shows little or no fluorescence, resulting in a low reading. And the part that is affected with the dental caries (teeth decay) , will be resulting in high reflection reading , depending on the depth and the extension of the disease. Areas with moderate readings will be remaining under monitoring.

Diagnodent will provide the patients with that extra level of service that the conventional examination ways may not be able to cover, and can provide a very early detection of a problem, which will result in very early and simple treatment , this will not only save the tooth structure from being damaged by the disease, it will also keep the treatment cost low by avoiding having to go through complicated treatments.

Diagnodent is used a usual testing in all our exam, as well as digital radiographs, We try to explain any problem clearly using pictures of your teeth, and radiographs , so you can have a simple and visual understanding of any existing problem. We take enough time on our examinations to ensure providing you with the optimum service, using the latest technology. You should visit our Albany dental clinic if you have a need for a reliable emergency dentist, any day of the week. 

Stage 1  Diagnodent value: 10-20 Acid attacks the tooth surface. This process gradually dissolves the hard outer coating of the tooth (enamel) causing a lesion.

Stage 2  Diagnodent value: 21-30 Frequent acid attacks to the enamel surface will allow the decay to travel deeper into the enamel.

Stage 3 Diagnodent value:31-60 If frequent sugar consumption continues the decay process will penetrate the hard enamel and enter the softer 2nd layer (dentine).

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Stage 4 Diagnodent value: 61-99 If the decay is left to progress it destroys the softer dentine layer even more.

Stage 5 Diagnodent value: 99+If left untreated the decay grows deeper and irritates/involves the pulp chamber(nerves and blood vessels).

Stage 6 Diagnodent value: N/A Definite pulp involvement. When this occurs the tooth has been destroyed.

Note – Decay spreads a lot quicker once it has entered the dentine layer (stages 3-6). How quick it spreads depends on certain factors 1. Diet (frequency of sugar / carbohydrate intakes) 2.Oral health (plaque removal).