There are a wide variety of different technologies available to dentists to help them expand their practice (CadCam, digital x-rays, and cone beam, just to name a few). However, DIAGNOdent is one technology that has been around for a long time and is extremely effective in diagnosing caries, does not cost a small fortune, and can help you build your bottom line.
Have any of you ever opened up a virgin tooth and realized that it is totally bombed out? I am sure that everyone has seen this at least once. With all of the fluoride we have today, the caries develops from the inside out, making the problem less obvious and harder to catch early. The DIAGNOdent from KaVo is over 90% effective if used correctly, and is often utilized by the doctor and hygienists. In most cases, it is faster to use than your explorer, and will not hurt the patients when it finds a cavity.
The DIAGNOdent uses laser technology to help identify hidden caries. It “shoots” a laser beam 2.4 mm into the tooth structure and measures chromophore, the by-product of caries. If you were to do a visual exam, you could see caries only 12% of the time, and with a combination of visual and bitewings, you could find caries 49% of the time; however, with the DIAGNOdent, you get a 90% rate of effectiveness – you can detect almost twice as many caries as before!
Many dentists out there “chart” their watches (in other words, the cases that show potential signs of caries or other issues, but whose diagnoses the dentist is not 100% sure about). With the DIAGNOdent, you can actually assign a number to that watch. Wouldn’t you rather diagnose caries at an early stage? It is also a very effective tool to confirm what you think you may be seeing when second-guessing your radiograph.
Of course, DIAGNOdent is a tool that is used to catch developing or pre-existing problems. As always, the best tool in a dentist’s arsenal is prevention. When patients are trying to find a dentist, they will consider which professionals help them to engage in the best hygiene and avoid painful procedures. By educating your patients on the best preventative methods, you can build your practice and inspire trust.
With people living longer today and trying to stay healthy, it’s surprising how many of them don’t realize that their mouths are the gateway to their overall body health. Much has been said about all of the different diseases that start in the mouth – diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, certain types of cancer, strokes, Alzheimer’s, and dementia, to give some common examples.
Don’t you think patients would be more willing to come in for their appointments if you would just take a few minutes to educate them on their risks? Help them to avoid the worst tooth decay problems and fix the ones that you have to, and you will earn their business as well as their good opinion.
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