Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Detecting Cavities With Technology!

Monday, June 02, 2008

Modern technology and optimal care are two things we provide at Dr. Mogell's office. One example of this is the Diagnodent Laser Caries Detection Aid.
The next time you have your teeth cleaned or have a comprehensive oral examination you may experience this "laser light" to detect early decay. By using the Diagnodent's technology we are able to scan teeth using this laser light to locate cavities below the tooth’s surface. The laser shines into the tooth to identify and measure a hidden cavity below the surface. The Diagnodent uses an audio signal in addition to a numerical score to indicate the severity of the decay that is detected. The higher the number and the higher the pitch emitted by the laser indicates the severity of decay.

The Diagnodent is one more device that we use in addition to x-rays and a dental explorer to help us find decay and prevent it from spreading and creating bigger problems. Now that Fluoride is being provided in the water, toothpastes and swish programs, it has improved oral health and hardened the tooth enamel, in addition to better brushing habits. This means decay is not as obvious and often begins below the tooth's surface instead of directly on the top surface of the tooth. Cavities below the tooth’s surface are much harder to detect.

The Diagnodent is very easy to use and very safe. It is also reliable and non invasive. The light that is used is very similar to a laser pointer. The amount of time that it takes to scan an entire mouth can be less than a minute so extra time is not necessary to add to a cleaning or exam. We are always investigating modern methods to provide the best possible care to our patients and the Diagnodent has proven to be very helpful in detecting decay at a very early stage. This is important to our patients because if disease is detected early the treatment is less invasive. If you have any questions please call our office at 561-394-9000.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.