Laser Cavity Detection with the Kavo Diagnodent.
The Kavo Diagnodent laser allows much earlier detection of tooth decay than previously possible. This allows tooth preservation through preventive dentistry. Our office offers this new technology for early detection of cavities.

The Kavo Diagnodent system uses a laser to detect the invisible fluorescence in enamel and dentin. Healthy tooth structure shows very little fluorescence, but decayed tooth structure does fluoresce. Measurements from the Diagnodent help the dentist determine whether to monitor suspect areas over time, treat them with preventive dentistry, or restore them. The system allows much earlier detection of decay than previously possible.

In the past we've used explorers, magnification, x-rays and cavity detecting solutions to diagnose tooth decay, but studies on extracted teeth show that early decay is still missed. This system allows us to detect decay much earlier than we could with any previous method, before it gets larger or painful.

This technology and microabrasion really work well together. We can detect decay when it's just starting, and then with high magnification and microabrasion we can remove only the diseased tooth structure. With the drill we used to have to remove a lot of healthy tooth structure also. After decay is removed, we can then bond a tooth colored restoration in place. Studies show that with these techniques, the tooth will be as strong after the restoration as a natural tooth.

Kavo Diagnodent laser allows much earlier detection of tooth decay than previously possible. This allows tooth preservation through preventive dentistry.