Dental caries is one the most prevalent chronic diseases in both children and adults. Even though it is one of the most preventable dental problems, over 90% of adults have had dental caries in their permanent teeth. Dental caries (cavity) causes demineralization of enamel which, in its early stages, can be difficult to detect. Among the newest technologies here at Cedar Cliff Dental Center is a cavity-detecting laser instrument called the DIAGNOdent. 
This diagnosing tool uses a tiny laser light which scans your teeth to detect early signs of decay, and locating hidden decay before it destroys your tooth structure is a major goal of modern dentistry.
X-rays and probing with a dental explorer are limited in detecting sub-surface decay, particularly when the cavity is in its early stages. DIAGNOdent is a major breakthrough that allows our office to monitor the areas below the hard surfaces of your teeth and detect cavities in their earliest stages, before they progress into a potential tooth ache or worse.
DIAGNOdent is a unique instrument that provides important, instant feedback on the health of the tooth.To detect these dental caries, your hygienist will use a pen-like probe that painlessly glides over your tooth surfaces, constantly checking the health of the tooth. DIAGNOdent will display a number scale, correlating to the presence of altered tooth substances and bacteria that fluoresce when they are exposed to a specific wavelength of light. If the number displayed is high enough for concern, an alarm signals the operator that there are signs of hidden decay in the tooth that is being scanned.This new technology is completely safe and pain-free and at Cedar Cliff Dental Center, we believe it is very important to have you and your family’s enamel checked for early signs of decay to reach and maintain your optimal dental health. Regular exams with DIAGNOdent, combined with proper cleaning and sealant usage is the best way to prevent dental caries. To schedule your appointment, call or email us today!