Cosmetic Dentistry

in Covington, New Orleans

DIAGNOdent Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: May 11, 2000

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Julie Moreau
7007 Hwy. 190
Covington, LA 70433
504-893-2494
Fax 504-893-2485
E-mail: jmoreau@cmq.com

New Laser Helps Dentists Find Decay

A new cavity-detecting laser has just been approved by the FDA for distribution in the U.S. The device has been in use in Europe for several years and more recently in Canada. It has been documented as an important aid in diagnosing cavities where traditional methods fall short.

DIAGNOdent is particularly effective in dental offices that practice microdentistry-a combination of magnification, cavity-detecting dyes, air abrasion and flowable filling materials that a dentist uses together to help minimize the size of restorations and therefore preserve as much natural tooth surface as possible.

"This is conservative dentistry at its best," says Dr. Jim Moreau of Covington, LA. "Using air abrasion instead of the conventional needle and drill routine is kinder, gentler dentistry. Whenever it's possible, my patients naturally prefer this technique. A small stream of air and powder is used to blow away decay and leave the natural tooth surface intact. This procedure is effective on most small to moderate sized cavities, so a tool like DIAGNOdent increases the likelihood of being able to use air abrasion by early detection."

DENTAL LASER

With the widespread use of fluoride, the very nature of tooth decay has changed. The outer surfaces of teeth are strengthened and more resistant. However, an almost undetectable area of decay can aggressively penetrate inward towards the soft surfaces of the tooth and literally destroy the tooth from the inside out. This can happen before a cavity is even visible to the naked eye.

The DIAGNOdent scans the cleaned tooth surfaces with a laser beam at the tip of a lightweight handpiece. A small countertop unit emits an audio signal and registers a digital readout which identifies cavities developing below the surface.

Dr. David Hornbrook, a noted cosmetic dentist and director of the Pacific Aesthetic Continuum at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, uses the DIAGNOdent laser as a routine part of exams. "Our hygienist uses it much like she would a periodontal probe or intra-oral camera," he says. "She tells the patient that she will be using a laser to determine the presence of decay. The patient holds the DIAGNOdent and listens and watches as the numbers and sound increase when decay is present. She then uses the intra-oral camera to show the patient what the decayed tooth looks like. I am amazed at what the DIAGNOdent tells me that I was just guessing at before."

Scientific research and the experience of dentists such as this has shown a high level of reliability, and with an energy level similar to that of a laser pointer, the laser beam is harmless to surrounding tissues.

DENTAL LASER

Dr. Kent Smith of Irving, Texas, compares practicing dentistry without the DIAGNOdent laser to watching black and white TV, using a DOS computer system or a rotary telephone. "I am already a better dentist because of it, and my patients know it," he says. "I am amazed at the accuracy I have experienced so far."