For most dentists, staying abreast of the latest technology is a requirement of the profession. New technologies make it easier to safely diagnose and treat a number of dental conditions such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. The dentists at Legacy Dental Arts in Eagle River, AK, are no exception. Legacy Dental Arts obtains and uses cutting-edge dental technology to provide their patients with outstanding preventative and restorative care. One of their newest pieces of technology is the KaVo DIAGNOdent.

What Is the DIAGNOdent?

The DIAGNOdent is a targeted caries detection aid. Using light therapy instead of X-rays, the DIAGNOdent can identify tiny holes, lesions, and developing cavities in the teeth that cannot be found using traditional bite-wing X-rays. When used properly, DIAGNOdent is more than 90% accurate in detecting caries not found during X-rays; and a added bonus, patients and staff are protected from exposure to harmful rays.

How Does DIAGNOdent Work?

In order to use DIAGNOdent, a dentist will first perform a routine cleaning and manual examination of your mouth to determine if there are any potential dangers such as gum disease. After your cleaning and examination are complete, your dentist will dry your teeth and begin the clinical exam using the DIAGNOdent. The DIAGNOdent features a sterilized wand tip that examines each tooth individually for signs of caries or tooth decay.

While using the DIAGNOdent, you may notice that the monitor on the device displays a number value. For values of 14 or lower, there is no sign of caries. If the value is 15-20, your dentist is advised to take precautionary measures such as applying fluoride gel to the tooth. If the value is 21-30, your dentist may assess your overall risk of cavities and take further precautionary measures or restorative measures such as filling the tooth. Finally, any number greater than 30 is a clear sign of cavities, and your dentist is advised to treat the tooth as soon as possible.

If you would like to learn more about DIAGNOdent and other technologies used at Legacy Dental Arts, visit their website. To schedule an appointment with a dentist for general or cosmetic dentistry including teeth whitening and porcelain veneers, call (907) 622­-7874 today.