Patient Benefits
You've heard a ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure? That saying describes where the benefit of early detection of decay lies. By detecting decayed areas in teeth before they become larger, your dentist is able to remove only a small amount of tooth structure. This preserves the overall strength of the tooth. In this way the tooth is less likely to fracture (due to a large filling which weakens the tooth), and the filling is less likely to need replacement, due to its small size. By treating these cavities early, we can prevent the cycle of large fillings, which may lead to broken teeth, which in turn may require more extensive work (such as larger fillings, crowns or even root canal therapy) to repair.

How Does it Work?
The laser detection system used at Fornetti Dental Practice is called the DIAGNOdent laser. It works by measuring laser fluorescence within the tooth structure. At the specific wavelength that the DIAGNOdent laser operates, healthy tooth structure exhibits little or no fluorescence, resulting in very low scale readings on the display. However, decayed tooth structure will exhibit fluorescence, resulting in elevated scale readings on the display. And while the DIAGNOdent is a laser, no special eyewear, or precautions are required for it's use.

How Long Does An Examination with Laser Take? Does it Hurt?
An examination with the DIAGNOdent takes less than five minutes. It is completely painless.

How Much Does an Laser Exam Cost?
Nothing. If you have teeth that are not already covered with crowns or large fillings, your laser exam will be performed as part of your normal cleaning visit at no additional cost.