What is a DIAGNOdent?
The DIAGNOdent is a pen like probe which simply glides over the tooth surface constantly checking the health of a tooth. A numeric value is displayed as well as an alarm which signals the operator and the patient when there are signs of hidden decay.
How does a DIAGNOdent work?
The DIAGNOdent is completely painless, and even very small cavities can be detected at their earliest stage, so that the decay can be caught before more tooth structure is damaged.
When the DIAGNOdent’s reading displays a reading of 20 or higher, we know there is an actual cavity present that will reguire a restoration. For readings of 20 or less, we can place a sealant to keep the tooth from getting a cavity.
Can the DIAGNOdent check inbetween the teeth?
Unfortunately, the DIAGNOdent is unable to scan for decays between the teeth (this is where we use a radiograph). If a tooth still has food debris or calculas on the surface it will need to be cleaned away before an accurate result can be obtained.
We, at Hartwell Dental Excellence, encourage regular preventative care appointments and good home care. Early detection of problems minimise the expenses related to major tooth repairs. Technologies such as the DIAGNOdent take us a giant step forward to helping you achieve the goal of minimally invasive dentisty.