Dr. Franziska Dutton and Dr. Daniel Cohen are proud to offer our patients advanced cavity detection with the DIAGNOdent™ dental laser. Decay of any size can threaten the health and strength of an entire tooth. Our goal of early cavity detection is key to preventing an onset of future dental issues caused by decay. In the past, the best dental examination we could offer meant sitting through lengthy poking and prodding sessions to find tooth decay we could see or feel. Statistics suggest those exams were only 50%-75% effective because it often missed decay hiding along the groves of your teeth. We were also limited because the cavity had to be large enough for the instrument head to find it.

Our dentists and team are pleased to use DIAGNOdent to offer a new and revolutionary way to detect and find decay. The DIAGNOdent diagnostic laser allows us to replace the old ways of finding cavities and decay with an innovative means of detecting cavities.

How Does The DIAGNOdent Work?

The DIAGNodent diagnostic technology uses a diode laser to inspect the patient’s teeth. It compares reflection wavelength against a healthy baseline wavelength to uncover tooth decay. The benchmark reading is taken by aiming the diode laser onto a healthy enamel tooth surface and then the laser is directed into all suspect areas.

Think of it this way: when you shine a light on a mirror, the light shines right back; but when you shine a light on a broken mirror because the surface is not solid, the light reflects in multiple directions. This is similar to how the DIAGNodent laser detects cavities: it shines a laser in the crevices of your teeth and reads the reflections. Because cavities are soft and sticky, and a healthy tooth is strong and solid, the DIAGNodent can accurately detect unhealthy areas.

This DIAGNodent technology quickly identifies the smallest cavity. By using the DIAGNodent, it allows for patients to get cavities treated before they cause major damage. Smaller and simpler fillings, means we can conserve more of the natural tooth structure. Smaller fillings are also more affordable, last longer and, in most cases, require less extensive dental restorations.

At The Healing Art of Dentistry, cavities and decay are now found earlier with this new technology. DIAGNodent laser cavity detection in Redding, California, makes it easier to come to us knowing that all your cavities can be found in a gentle, comfortable, quick and comprehensive way. Call us at 530-241-4134 if you have any questions.