Laser tooth scanner prevents drilling. Diagnodent

Every dentist , every day is faced with a tricky decison. Is that a hole I see before me?  Shall I use the "pokey thing" ? Is that a new hole in that tooth? Is it just a bit of staining from food and drink such as tea, coffee, red wine or curry? Can I leave well alone or should I be thinking about some MID or "Minimally Invasive Dentistry". Prevention or a stitch in time? If I leave this will there be a bigger hole in a year or two?

Well here at Newbury Smilemakers we don't use "pokey things" . For the last 5 years we have used a reliable laser tooth-decay detector. The Diagnodent. Painless, simple and quick, normally used by our dental hygienist, the tiny tip of the laser scanner is passed over the biting surface natural fissures to double-check.
It stops me from using the dreaded drill if the tooth can be safely left alone.

• Low score         4-10 the tooth can be left alone or perhaps sealed against decay .
• Medium score 10-15 then the stained can be skimmed away from the surface of the enamel and then the areas sealed against decay.
• High score        15-99 - The tooth has a cavity which needs filling. Usually the higher the score the deeper the hole !
  

Does your dentist you a "pokey thing"? Do you hate them? Well we don't and we get it right every time with Diagnodent.

Please don't keep us a secret. Let your friends know!