Take Advantage of Superhuman Powers … and the new CDT Code

Have you ever wished you had supernatural powers or abilities? Few people know that being a dentist is much like being Superman—both possess the special power of x-ray vision. One saves the world, the other saves teeth.

CariVu from DEXIS is a product that makes the rescuing of teeth possible. Just recently, a new ADA CDT code (D0600) was put into effect for nonionizing diagnostic procedures. This is primarily because caries detection has become precise and reliable. Caries detection, including the use of CariVu, can now be accurately coded and reimbursed, a win-win situation for both the dentist and the patient.¹

The product is a compact, portable caries detection device that uses new, patented transillumination technology in order to identify occlusal, interproximal, and recurrent carious lesions and cracks with a 99% accuracy rate.² It is unique in that it detects interproximal and recurrent caries, benefitting patients who are x-ray averse. CariVu produces crystal clear x-ray-like images that serve as a useful detection tool for caries at an early stage. The image the device produces helps the dentist to distinguish light from dark in the images it 

captures—very much like how you would read an x-ray.

The buttons on the device allow for easy freeze-framing and the numbering of teeth. Once in use, caries shows up as a dark structure in the tooth projected on the screen, giving the dentist an easyway to identify and treat tooth decay and crumbling. The projected image serves as a detailed talking point for the dentist to explain the tooth decay to his patients. CariVu is easy to use because of its lightweight body, easystorage, and finger grip. Check out this video to get a glimpse.

Saving the image is easy and can be done almost instantly by squeezing the ring around CariVu’s neck for three seconds—and voilà! The images are documented and the dentist strikes again in fighting tooth decay and identifying its origin with the help of CariVu—or should we say supernatural powers? You be the judge.