For laser caries detection, you have a few options:
You probably know that DIAGNOdent (www.kavousa.com) is a handheld caries detection device intended to help dentists identify hard-to-locate areas of decay or decalcification. The cordless DIAGNOdent Pen is also available. Cost: DIAGNOdent (KaVo) $2995
REALITY recently reviewed the D-Carie mini by Dentsply, a device much like DIAGNOdent. The cordless, handheld detection tool uses an LED to find decalcified areas and caries, and it has no base unit. Cost: D-Carie mini (Dentsply) $3299
Inspektor Pro by Omni is another caries detection tool, though the Omni website (http://www.omniipharma.com/inspektor_pro.asp) does not reveal the price.
Is the Investment Worth It?
By finding these "hidden" cavities, you increase profitability and, ultimately, the patient’s oral health. On the KaVo website, you can actually review your practice’s estimated ROI for DIAGNOdent with their calculator feature.
As for whether the technology works, studies indicated positive results, such as that DIAGNOdent will "allow the clinician to make more well-informed treatment decisions" (http://diss.kib.ki.se/2005/91-7140-283-7/). However, it is advised that the caries detector be used in conjunction with a manual exam: "Although DIAGNOdent is an important diagnostic device, particularly for diagnosing hidden carious lesions in the dentine layer, it should be used along with visual examination in clinical practice, as DIAGNOdent is not superior to visual examination in detecting early stages of carious lesions" (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=17022365).
Is laser caries detection worth the investment? Is it beneficial to patients? Like so many dental technologies – in-office teeth whitening, TMJ therapy, no-prep veneers – some dentists swear by it, others swear about it. It’s old school versus hi-tech, and I doubt the debate will ever find closure.
Check out other caries detection tools and pricing at http://www.dentalcompare.com/matrix/151/Light–Laser-Caries-Detection.html.