This document discusses a laser examination tool called DIAGNOdent that can detect dental decay earlier than traditional methods. It uses laser fluorescence to detect decay, providing higher accuracy than visual examination, probing, or x-rays. Studies have shown DIAGNOdent to be over 90% accurate in detecting hidden decay in tooth fissures and fractures, compared to around 50-60% for other examination methods. It is designed as an additional tool to use during dental exams to improve early detection of dental caries.

1. DIAGNOdent
A laser examination tool for the
early detection of decay.
Even very small lesions can be
detected at the earliest stages.
Earlier treatment - Better
outcomes
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2. Decay Models
A) Traditional Decay Model—Caries attack begins in the
enamel with demineralisation and cavitation. Easily
diagnosed visually, with sharp explorers or radiographs.
B) New Decay Model — Enamel does not cavitate because
of protection from fluoride. Caries begins in dentin through
fissures, pits, fractures, and enamel pores. Difficult to
diagnose with traditional methods
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3. The Probe
Diagnodent is a pen-like probe that sends a safe,
painless laser beam into the tooth.
A numeric display & alarm signals when there are
signs of hidden decay.
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4. The Probe vs Pic
The above pictures show how the
Diagnodent can find cavities that
other dental instruments can miss.
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5. How It Works
The Diagnodent device measures laser fluorescence within the
tooth structure.
As the incident laser light is propagated into the site, two-way
hand-piece optics allows the unit to simultaneously quantify the
reflected laser light energy.
At the specific wavelength that the device operates(655 nm),
clean healthy tooth structure exhibits little or no fluorescence,
resulting in very low scale readings on the display.
However, carious tooth structure will exhibit fluorescence,
proportionate to the degree of caries, resulting in elevated
scale readings on the display.
The device is designed as an adjunct to a traditional oral
examination in the detection of occlusal decay.
Teeth that are suspicious for caries are ideal candidates for
survey with the device
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6. Over 90% accurate!
Percentage Correct Diagnosis
Kavo DIAGOdent 90%
Brown or black discolourisation of the fissures 40%
Distinct de-mineralisation of the fissures 65%
X-Ray bitewing 67%
Inspection and probing 58%
Inpection with the aid of magnification 56%
Inspection 57%
Proportion of "correct diagnoses" using various diagnostic methods (in the case of
seemingly intact occlusal - biting surfaces).
In a study conducted by Dr. Lussi of Berne University, Switzerland, dentists correctly
diagnosed hidden fissure areas by visual inspection in only 57% of all cases.
The same group achieved an impressive success rate of 90% with the DIAGNOdent. In
fact, DIAGNOdent was far more accurate than any other method in the study including
bitewing x-rays (flossing x-rays) .
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