Diagnodent

 Diagnodent is a small laser instrument which scans your teeth with laser light searching for hidden decay.diagnodent

We can’t cure what we can’t see!

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

However, diagnosing cavities beneath the hard surfaces is more challenging because the disease process can start through microscopic defects in the hard surface.

X-rays and probing with an explorer are limited in detecting sub surface decay, particularly when the cavity is in its early stages.

Fortunately, the DIAGNOdent is a major breakthrough that allows the dentist to monitor the areas below the hard sufaces.  The DIAGNOdent allows the dentist to locate hidden decay, and with treatment stop the spread of disease before it destroys the tooth from within.

Patient friendly, especially for children.

This unique instrument provides instant feedback on the health of the tooth. A pen like probe simply glides over tooth surfaces constantly checking the health of the tooth.

A number scale and an alarm signals the operator when there are signs of hidden decay.  This new technology is completely safe and painfree.

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An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

We encourage regular dental check-ups, cleanings and home care.  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.

 

Patient Education on Tooth Decay

 (Dental Caries)

What caused tooth decay (caries)?

Everyone produces a lot of bacteria in the mouth. This bacteria builds up on the surfaces of teeth and gums, it multiplies very quickly to form a soft sticky layer called plaque. The plaque bacteria feed on the sugar that we eat and drink and produces acids.      These acids attack the tooth surface and gradually dissolve the outer coating of tooth (enamel). If frequent sugar consumption continues the enamel will eventually break down and a hole (cavity) will appear.

Warning Signs & Causes

There are few, if any early warning signs, but as the decay progresses the signs and symptoms become more obvious.

Symptoms

  • Sensitivity to temperature,
  • Sensitivity to sweet things.
  • Intermittent or constant pain.

Signs

  • A small dark or opaque patch on the tooth surface (lesion)
  • Cavity.

Cause

Plaque a sticky form of bacteria adheres to the tooth surface, especially where it is difficult to access with a toothbrush or in grooves of the teeth.

The plaque bacteria feed on the sugars that we eat and drink and produces acids.

diagnodent_12

Stages of dental decay

Lesion

Stage 1 Diagnodent value: 10-20 Acid attacks the tooth surface. This process gradually dissolves the hardouter 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).

Stage 4 Diagnodent value: 61-99 If the decay is left toprogress 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/ADefinite 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).


Wellness Dentistry