Pearls for your practice

Joe Blaes, DDS

Adhese® Universal

is a new approach to caries detection. It is a compact, portable caries detection device that uses patented transillumination technology to support the identification of occlusal, interproximal, and recurrent carious lesions and cracks. DEXIS has a long history of providing us with intuitive, easy-to-use diagnostic tools to discover carious lesions. CariVu continues this tradition. By hugging the tooth and bathing it in safe, near-infrared light, CariVu's transillumination technology makes the enamel appear transparent while porous lesions trap and absorb the light. This allows the clinician to see through the tooth, exposing its structure and the actual structure of any carious lesions with high accuracy. Since they are similar in appearance, CariVu images read like familiar X-ray images; lesions will appear as dark areas. This provides an edge as compared to fluorescent imaging technologies since there is no need to clean the tooth of bacteria or calibrate the device. Think of the DEXIS digital X-ray sensor and CariVu as ultimate companion tools for caries detection. If you identify a suspicious area on a radiograph, especially possible interproximal decay that can be more difficult to detect, your "second opinion" can be a transilluminated image that reveals the extent of the condition. This also helps you confidently determine whether the area needs monitoring over time or requires immediate treatment. Since transillumination can show lesions in the beginning stages, using CariVu during routine prophylaxis can aid the hygienist in identifying questionable areas early in order to decide on a course of preventive care. When used together, a radiograph, a transilluminated image, and an intraoral photo provide a comprehensive picture of the health of a patient's tooth. Integration with the DEXIS software simplifies the work flow. It is easy to compare the CariVu image in the current session with its historical and intraoral X-ray and camera counterparts. A simple squeeze of the capture ring on the handpiece freezes the image; a tap and hold saves it. The device powers off automatically when set in its holder. Finally, for those patients who refuse to have X-rays taken, CariVu is an alternative diagnostic method with which they can be comfortable. I have found the CariVu to be a valuable caries detection tool in my practice. Patients understand and accept the information. This allows me and my team to treat problems early.

Visit http://www.dexis.com/carivu or call (888) 883-3947 for more information.

High Definition Mirrors

from Hu-Friedy

Since everything we do in dentistry is visual, I always get excited when I see a new product that will make it easier and better for me to see what I am doing. So when I saw that Hu-Friedy had a new mirror, I had to try it. According to an article in the August 2006 issue of Dental Economics, 99% of diagnostics in dentistry is visual. In order for clinicians to deliver accurate diagnoses, the mouth mirror needs to provide the highest degree of clarity and visibility in every procedure. I thought I was using a superior grade of mirrors until I started using the new Hu-Friedy HD Mirrors. The difference was unbelievable. Standard rhodium-coated mirrors offer average clarity and visibility, keeping the clinician from reaching the highest level of performance. I told my dental assistants to take a couple of the new HD Mirrors and run them through the autoclave a number of times. So for the next week, they kept them in the autoclave constantly. When we looked at them, they were still clear and bright. Hu-Friedy's new High Definition Mirrors feature a proprietary coating that provides superior brilliance and color for increased visibility in all dental procedures. As compared to rhodium-coated mirrors, HD Mirrors are 38.5% brighter. They are also 50% brighter than other front surface mirrors, carrying a 113% reflection factor for exceptional image clarity. HD mirrors are compatible with all of Hu-Friedy's ergonomic handle options so you can choose what works best for you. Since they are also scratch-resistant, the new HD mirrors are the clear choice for optimal patient treatment. My team has tried to trick me a couple of times by handing me an old mirror attached to one of my new handles. But when I look into the mirror, I know immediately it is not an HD Mirror. Try one yourself, and you will never go back.

Visit www.HuFriedy.com for more information.