Introduction: All Hope Abandon Ye, Who Enter in
Dentistry has always been one of the fields of medicine where even angels fear to tread. Mostly because of the unpleasant feelings which presumably one might feel in the process of curing the teeth, people tend to avoid visiting the dentist often enough. However, the causes of neglected caries can vary from fear of visiting the doctor to merely failing to realize that there can be a problem – at its earliest stage, caries can hardly be detected and, therefore, cured. However, the latter obstacle has been removed quite recently with the help of the newest technique, DIAGNOdent – the method which is supposed to detect caries in embryos and allow to cure it as soon as possible. However, the new technique has not been time-tested yet. Checking whether it is efficient enough is a matter of thorough research.
Brief History of the Product: When A Mistake Costs too Much
Before dealing with the positive and the negative aspects of the new caries detection method, one must mention the history of the DIAGNOdent development. It is worth mentioning that the previously used method of observation used to serve its purpose well, too However, for efficient caries treatment, the problem must be spotted at the earliest stage of development, which the previous methods could not provide. As Costa, Paula & Bezerra (2008) explained,
Traditionally, clinical examination with dental mirror and probe has been used for caries diagnosis. However, the validity of such probing has been criticized as the variations in fissure morphology, sharpness of the probe, and pressure exerted by the operator may produce variable results. (18)
Thus, the use of the DIAGNOdent techniques can be a chance to improve the existing services. Learning the advantages and the drawbacks of the given method, one can possibly predict if it is going to help diagnose caries more efficiently. Checking whether DIAGNOdent is as efficient as it seems, one can possibly predict if it is going to be the means to revolutionize the dentistry field.
Current Application of the DIAGNOdent Technology
Despite the fact that the DIAGNOdent technique is relatively new in the field of dentistry and has not been proven as the ultimate means to detect caries, it is already widely used to diagnose caries and to check whether there are any possible premises for the disease to develop. In addition, the current state of the disease progress can be learned with the help of the DIAGNOdent technique. However, like any other innovation, DIAGNOdent has certain major drawbacks together with a bunch of advantages to contrast with the previously used techniques. Thus, it is worth taking a look at the specifics of the innovation and evaluating its possible impact on the field of dentistry. Once learning the pros and cons of a certain idea, one can figure out whether the technology is efficient enough.
Strengths and weaknesses: your personal laser dentist
Taking into account the recent research in the given sphere, one must admit that the DIAGNOdent technology is promising, indeed. It has a lot of strengths, among which such features as high accuracy must be mentioned. It is also essential that the DIAGNOdent encompasses several methods at once, incorporating their features and, therefore, offering a perfect blend of the three, namely, the laser fluorescence method, the visual inspection, and the validation method (Krause, Jepsen, & Braun, 2007).
As for the weaknesses, the only one detected so far is the fact that the technology has not been tested enough yet. Still in the stage of development, the given method is yet one of the most promising at present and is bound to stay that way. Unless a way to spot caries at even the earlier stage is developed, DIAGNOdent will become the leading way to detect caries.
Advantages and disadvantages: spotting the threat
Among the numerous advantages of the method high efficiency must be mentioned. However, it is also worth marking that the issue is not fully researched yet. As Pinelli, Loffredo & Serra (2010) explain, “The exact mechanism of laser detection has not been fully articulated” (408).
Limitations: where science dares not trod
Finally, speaking of the limitations of the given method, it is essential to add that there is a possibility of “The limitation of the radiographic examination for occlusal caries diagnosis” (21), as Costa, Paula & Bezerra (2008) claim. However, with more effective equipment, the enamel will not mask the sounds which DIAGNOdent must decipher.
Conclusion: The Time Has Come to Show Your Teeth
Judging by the above-mentioned evidence, it can be considered that the DIAGNOdent technique can be successfully applied as opposed to the previously existing one. Having a considerable number of advantages which help it develop further on and withstand the competition with the rest of the existing technologies, DIAGNOdent is bound to become the herald of the new era in the realm of dentistry. Helping to detect the problem at the earliest stage and dispose of it before the negative effects take their toll and the tooth is seriously damaged, the given technique is a promising innovation. Once DIAGNOdent passes the time test, it is bound to become the leading technology in dentistry.
References
Costa, A. M., de Paula, L. M., & Bezerra, A. C. B. (2008). Use of DIAGNOdent for diagnosis of non-cavitated occlusal dentin caries. Journal of Applied Oral Science, 16(1): 18-23.
Krause, F., Jepsen, J., & Braun, A. (2007). Comparison of two latest fluorescence devices for detection of occlusal caries in vivo. European Journal of Occlusal Science, 115: 252-256.
Pinelli, C., Loffredo, L. C. M., & Serra, M. C. (2010). Effect of drying on the reproducibility: DIAGNOdent to detect caries-like lesions. Brazilian Dental Journal, 21(5): 405-410.