Locating hidden decay before it destroys tooth structure is a big problem in modern dentistry. The wide spread use of fluoride supplements in dental materials, toothpastes and drinking water have made tooth surfaces harder and more resistant to decay. However, diagnosing cavities is more challenging because the disease process can start through microscopic defects in the hard surface enamel and can readily spread into the softer tooth structure beneath the surface. This makes x-rays and probing with an explorer simply unreliable in detecting surface decay, particularly in its early stages.

Fortunately, the new DIAGNOdent Laser is a major breakthrough. Using a pen like probe, we can monitor the tooth surface for micro-fissures which may be harboring a cavity in its earliest of stages. If found early enough, the cavity can be filled using a much smaller filling which preserves the tooth's natural strength.