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Historically, dentists have used the dental explorer to determine if an area on a tooth was sound or if it had decay. If the “pit” or “groove” in the tooth was “sticky”… decay was/is diagnosed. Cavities (dental decay) in the fluoride era can be difficult to identify until substantial damage has occurred by traditional methods (explorer).
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The Diagnodent is a laser that can identify cavities in a much more accurate manner. Highlands Ranch dentists Dr. H. Candace DeLapp and Dr. James DeLapp use the Diagnodent as one of several tools to determine if an area has dental decay or not. Our dental patients come from the Parker, Douglas County, Ken Caryl, Lone Tree, Castle Pines and the greater Denver Colorado area.
How the Diagnodent works: Highlands Ranch dentist, Denver Dentist The Diagnodent uses laser technology to identify the sub-surface decay that is not traditionally detected by a dental explorer. It does so by measuring the laser fluorescence within the laser beam. At a wave length of 655-mn healthy tooth structures does not fluorescence and gives a very low reading (0). As tooth structure begins to de-mineralize the readings increase. As decay (cavity) progresses the bacteria including the caries (decay) will fluoresce. The Diagnodent will then yield elevated readings on the digital display. In addition to the visual display an audio display occurs that is unmistakable. This audio feedback is important in patient education. Certain readings may be below a threshold and we may decide to treat this decalcified area with fluoride in a conservative approach to (hopefully) re-mineralizing the tooth. At subsequent visits we re-examine the area to determine if the dental lesion is progressing… improving… or remaining the same. This is “generally” done with readings below 25. Higher readings up to 99 indicate the presence of decay and a dental filling (restoration) is most likely recommended. Some cavities can progress to the nerve and substantial treatment may need to be done. Dr. H. Candace DeLapp and Dr. James DeLapp are Highlands Ranch dentists that use the Diagnodent routinely. We have found this dental device to be of great value in determining decay or monitoring the potential of re-mineralization. Dr’s DeLapp also treat dental patients from Parker, Douglas County, Ken Caryl, Lone Tree, Castle Pines and the greater Denver area. They can be reached at (303) 694-9740. |
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6660 Timberline Rd. Centennial, CO 80130 |