Diagnodent Laser Can Find Cavities Early

Dentists are using a new technology that can detect a weakness in a tooth before it becomes a cavity. That could mean no more Novocain shots and no more drills.

Diagnodent is a new laser which finds hard-to-spot areas of tooth decay. The device is a compact diode laser used to identify areas of tooth decay that traditional means, including X-rays, miss. Diagnodent shines a laser beam down into the tooth, to a depth of 2.5 mm. The device is aimed into the grooves of teeth, providing a decay reading to the dentist.

By catching the decay early, dentists have a number of tools that can get rid of it, without Novocain or drilling. Technique is an exciting adjunct to X-rays and examination.

Diagnodent is FDA-approved.