Precise Dental Diagnosis with Laser Cavity Detection
Cavities often start small—sometimes so small they’re nearly impossible to detect with traditional dental tools or X-rays. Without early diagnosis, tooth decay can spread beneath the enamel, weakening the tooth from the inside out. At Brimhall Family Dentistry in Fort Collins, we use Diagnodent® laser cavity detection technology to find cavities in their earliest stages—before they become serious problems.
With Diagnodent, we can detect hidden decay quickly, safely, and painlessly, helping you avoid more complex dental procedures down the road.
Call us today at 970-482-4242 to schedule your next dental exam!
What Is Diagnodent Laser Cavity Detection?
Diagnodent is a handheld laser tool that scans the surface of your teeth to identify areas of tooth decay that traditional methods might miss. It’s especially useful for detecting subsurface cavities—those that form beneath the enamel and can’t be seen with the naked eye or even on X-rays.
Here’s how it works:
- Healthy tooth enamel reflects the laser’s light in a predictable way.
- Areas affected by decay scatter or reflect the light differently, triggering the device to signal potential cavities.
- The level of reflection helps your dentist assess the severity and extent of decay.
Diagnodent is completely safe, painless, and non-invasive. There’s no need for poking or prodding, and no exposure to radiation.
The Benefits of Laser Cavity Detection
At Brimhall Family Dentistry, we believe prevention is the best approach to dental care. Diagnodent laser cavity detection gives us an edge in spotting decay early—often before you experience pain or sensitivity. Early detection means:
- Less invasive treatment—If caught early, decay can often be treated without the need for drilling or fillings.
- Preservation of natural tooth structure—Smaller cavities mean less tooth material needs to be removed, keeping your tooth stronger and healthier.
- More affordable care—Early treatment is simpler and often less expensive than more extensive restorative work later on.
- Fewer dental emergencies—Addressing problems early reduces the risk of severe pain, infections, or fractures that require emergency care.
What Happens After Early Detection?
If the Diagnodent laser detects early decay, your dentist may recommend one or more preventive treatments, such as:
- Fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel and halt early-stage decay
- Dental sealants to protect the surface of teeth from plaque and bacteria
- Small fillings for decay that has progressed beyond the enamel
Early detection allows us to treat the problem while it’s still small and manageable, helping you avoid larger fillings, crowns, root canals, or extractions in the future.
Who Should Consider Laser Cavity Detection?
Diagnodent laser cavity detection is often used during your regular dental checkup alongside traditional diagnostic methods. It’s especially helpful for:
- Patients with deep grooves or pits in their teeth where cavities often start
- Children and teens who are more prone to cavities
- Patients who want the most advanced diagnostic tools available
Note: Diagnodent may not be ideal for teeth that already have fillings, crowns, or other restorations.
Schedule Your Dental Exam Today
Early detection is the key to maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. If you’d like to learn more about Diagnodent laser cavity detection or want to schedule your next exam, call Brimhall Family Dentistry in Fort Collins at 970-482-4242 today!
You can also submit an appointment request online, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Let’s work together to protect your smile—one simple, painless scan at a time!