One of the most important things we do for our patients is to identify and fill cavities. Since even the smallest spot of decay can threaten the integrity of the entire tooth, finding and filling cavities is the key to preventing further problems of all kinds. Historically, that's why lengthy poking and prodding sessions have been an acceptable, if not very comfortable, part of typical dental exams. However, many people don't realize that these methods of decay detection are only 50% to 75% successful. Cavities often hide along fissure lines, or inside biting or occlusal surfaces. Further, these mechanical exploratory methods are limited to finding only those cavities that are equal to or larger than the probe head. For all these reasons, we've invested in DIAGNOdent: a revolutionary new, thorough means of detecting cavities, so your exam can be fast, easy, and nearly imperceptible.

Laser Reflection Spots Imperfection
DIAGNOdent technology uses a simple laser diode to inspect your teeth, comparing reflection wavelength against a known healthy baseline wavelength to uncover decay. How? First, we aim the laser onto one of your healthy enamel tooth surfaces to give us a benchmark reading. Then, we continue on around your mouth, shining the laser into all suspect areas. As the laser pulses into grooves, fissures and cracks, it reflects fluorescent light of a specific wavelength. This light is measured by receptors, converted to an acoustic signal, evaluated electronically to reveal a value between one and 100, then displayed on a screen. Anytime the laser encounters a surface that reads differently than the healthy baseline value, it stimulates emission of fluorescent light of a different wavelength. A reading of 10-20 indicates some enamel softening, pointing to a potential problem area that merits close monitoring. A reading of 21-100 indicates a definite area of decay requiring a filling.

Early Detection, Precise Correction
Using DIAGNOdent technology allows us to catch more areas of decay sooner and with more precision. Further, it requires no x-rays, and is a relatively comfortable procedure. Not only can it help prevent the spread of decay, but catching decay early means fillings required are simpler and shallower, preserving more of the tooth. This allows us to use minimally invasive filling procedures, such as drill-free air abrasion. Finally, we're able to objectively monitor any suspicious areas without repeated x-rays, harm to tissues, or need for protective measures.

HOW IT WORKS
The Diagnodent device measures laser fluorescence within tooth structure. As the incident laser light is propagated into the site, two-way handpiece optics allows the unit to simultaneously quantify the reflected laser light energy. At the specific wavelength that the device operates, 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.

The above picture shows how the Diagnodent can find cavities that other dental instruments can miss.   Altered tooth substances and bacteria fluoresce when they are exposed to a specific wavelength of light.

The DIAGNOdent operates at a wavelength of 655 nm. At this specific wavelength, 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 of the DIAGNOdent.
An audio signal allows the operator to hear changes in the scale values. This enables the focus to be on our patient, not solely on the device.
Over 90% accurate:

Proportion of "correct diagnoses" using various diagnostic methods (in the case of seemingly intact occlusal - biting surfaces).

Scan x Duo

Digital xray haas 90% less radiation than traditional dental xray. We use Scan x DUO at Smile Angels Of Beverly Hills. ScanX Duo uses Phosphor Storage Plates that are ultra-thin, wireless and flexible allowing for accurate positioning within the oral cavity. Using PSPs minimizes image elongation, foreshortening and retakes. The plates are very inexpensive and can be used thousands of times.

Acclaim® Intraoral Camera

Bring the Power of Vision to your dental practice with the Acclaim Intraoral Camera.

Superior clarity, sharpness and true-to-life soft-tissue color will make Acclaim a truly indispensable instrument in your dental practice. The portable Acclaim intraoral camera is extremely easy to handle and can be pocketed from room to room using the quick-connect feature. Single-hand operation eliminates fumbling and manual focusing. All objects - from 6mm to 50mm - snap automatically into sharp focus. Capture and save images with the touch of a button. The Acclaim intraoral camera can be connected via USB 2.0, S-Video or Composite Video and integrates into any practice with or without a computer.