Click here to enlarge imageThis is how it works: DIAGNOdent uses laser technology to identify carious lesions at the earliest possible stage by detecting laser fluorescence within the tooth structure. Clean, healthy teeth exhibit little or no fluorescence. When the laser encounters a carious area, it detects fluorescence. The more significant the caries is, the higher the reading on the display.
I use DIAGNOdent in conjunction with all the other diagnostic tools, including the explorer, magnification, and digital radiography. It’s not meant to replace existing technologies, but it is a tool that, used in conjunction with other tools, makes our ability to diagnose caries much more effective than with traditional tools.
Our practice is a large and busy one, with two dentists and several hygienists working full-time. We typically see as many as 30 patients a day, and up to 150 patients a week. Whenever patients come in for cleanings, X-rays, or regular check-ups, my partner and I routinely use DIAGNOdent during our examination. The unit, which is small and portable, is kept in the hall outside the operatories.
We’ve increased the number of early detections by more than 30 percent since we installed the technology, and we’re placing more restorations as a result. This has obviously translated into an increase in my bottom line.
While increased revenue is important, my focus is always on patient care. With DIAGNOdent, we’re sending a strong message to patients that their welfare is our main concern and that we’re using the most effective technology to ensure that we provide them with the finest care. It’s this bottom line of improved patient care that’s the real paradigm shift in diagnosis.