Though fluoride and sealant treatments made strides in preventing tooth decay, these substances sometimes provide the perfect camouflage for hidden dangers. Within the tiny creases of tooth surfaces, between teeth or in other inconspicuous areas, bacteria may invade enamel. Under these circumstances, tooth surfaces remain normal in appearance while destruction progresses out of sight.
Fast, Safe and Accurate
The damage commonly goes unnoticed until causing visible discoloration or eruptions on the tooth surface. Not only are these dangers not visible with the naked eye but also remain undetectable by X-ray. Even safer than an X-ray, the portable KaVo DIAGNOdent pen provides dentists with a means of combating the problem with innovative preventative medicine technology.
With 90 percent accuracy, dentists have a tool that locates hidden cavity development. The simple non-invasive assessment tool emits light onto a tooth’s surface while recording the amount of light reflected back to the device. Healthy teeth do not reflect or fluoresce this light. Altered tooth structures containing cavity forming bacteria and damage do reflect light, which the DIAGNOdent pen detects and displays on a digital readout. The more damage a tooth contains, the higher the number displayed on the readout. An audio alarm accompanies the digital display.
Improves Diagnostic Ability
Previously, if suspecting underlying decay, dentists invaded a tooth for further examination. If the diagnosis proved inaccurate, the damaged tooth then provided a portal for future invasion. Equipped with the information provided by the DIAGNOdent pen, dentists determine a more precise course of action. Earlier detection of cavity development minimizes long-term damage.
Depending on the readings displayed, patients may require nothing more than monitoring through follow-up appointments. Using the device, dentists might determine that a tooth requires prophylactic treatment for protection. Extremely elevated readings indicate that the area requires immediate intervention, most likely in the form of decay removal and tooth repair.
Preventative Dentistry
While the DIAGNOdent pen provides early detection of oral disease processes, the device does not replace the need for routine examinations every six months. Brushing, flossing and preventative treatments recommended by the dentist also remain important.
If it has been over six months since your last dental check-up, it is highly advised to see your dentist as soon as possible. This is the most important step in preventative dentistry. Call your dentist today to schedule an appointment.
If you live in the Bolivar, Missouri area and do not already have a family dentist, please consider Bolivar Family Dental. We are accepting new patients and reward our current patients for referrals! The friendly and professional team work hard to make a very comfortable atmosphere for patients of all ages. Our office uses the most up to date equipment, materials and technology (including the DIAGNOdent pen) to provide the highest level of comprehensive care to our patients. Call us if you have any questions or to schedule check-ups for the whole family! (417) 777-8654
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DIAGNOdent Pen
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