I like to start with a number around forty or higher and then work down to lower numbers depending upon the decay I find at the higher number and the over all patient’s decay profile. I often double check with my unit what the hygienist found and to locate for myself the exact location of the defect before I start.
Pat

Certainly seems like a case of overtreatment. Like Pat, I will verify hygienist’s readings with my unit prior to commencing treatment and will only restore where those are >20. I have never NOT seen caries in teeth with readings above 20. Although, I’ve gone in to do several sealants (DIAGNOdent readings between 15-20) only to find significant decay deeper in the tooth (usually mandibular premolars) than normally seen.

Jetsfan,
I find the explorer to be effective.  I do my best to remove all plaque materials from the groves and pits before using the Diagnodent and I never use any polishing materials.  I have adjusted my numbers to provide nearly 100 percent positives when I restore so what I do works for me.   Our hygienist may polish first and will often have used the various automatic aids like a prophy jet and if the lesion is not obvious I double check it with my machine.
Pat

By the way the hose adapter(the metal coupler at the left in the pic) is about &#3665? to get started too. But, I do
like these things. They work every bit as well as the Mach 4 I paid &#3610K for in 95! I have since thrown the Mach 4 into the dumpster literally!
Greg

Pat. There is a major difference in the ‘look’ of the prep after ‘cleaned’ by aa. The ‘schmutz’ or I suppose the smear layer is visibly ‘cleaned of any residue or debris which will be apparent after aa use. They look pristine. I probably would not do a fill or cr prep now without aa ‘cleansing’, the difference is that obvious. I have no scientific data, just personal observation.
Greg