Recent advances in laser technology in dentistry have resulted in a new device called Diagnodent from a German manufacturer allowing very accurate detection of decay within the surfaces of teeth.
Introduction of fluoride in both toothpaste and, where added, water supplies has resulted in significant strengthening of the hard outer enamel layer of teeth but unfortunately does little to protect the softer inner layer of dentine against decay. Dentists now frequently find that seemingly small surface decay on a tooth has already resulted in significant decay within the inner layers of the tooth underneath the surface where it cannot be seen.
The Diagnodent very cleverly reads changes within the tooth and provides a numerical reading of the size of the decay problem. Readings increasing from zero to 99 relate to the depth of decay giving a very accurate indication of exactly when treatment is required. The result is that in between routine radiographs decay can be monitored without resorting to further exposure of the patient to radiation.
From both the dentists and patients point of view more accurate indication of the size and depth of any decay results in fewer unexpectedly large fillings and often allows the drill free technique of air abrasion to be used for removal of decay. Smaller fillings not only save the patient money but also lend themselves to great looking white fillings rather than unsightly silver coloured amalgam fillings.
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