Frequently Asked Questions
The CaviSense Toothpick
What is the CaviSense Toothpick?
The CaviSense™ Toothpick is an innovative, FDA-registered, early-stage caries risk assessment tool that detects high-caries-risk biofilm acids below the critical pH of 5.5 known for active tooth demineralization. No radiation. No staining. Results in 10 seconds.
How does the CaviSense Toothpick work?
The CaviSense™ Toothpick is quick and easy. Simply place the CaviSense Toothpick on the targeted tooth surface, including interproximal surfaces, and maintain contact for just 10 seconds. The patented, pH sensing CaviSense™ Toothpick tips change color from purple to yellow when detecting pH levels below the critical pH of 5.5. No radiation. No staining. Results in 10 seconds.
Is the CaviSense Toothpick easy to use?
The CaviSense™ Toothpick is designed to be easy-to-use, even for the hard-to-reach, hard-to-see interproximal spaces. No radiation. No staining. Results in 10 seconds.
Does the CaviSense Toothpick replace the need for x-rays?
No. The CaviSense™ Toothpick is designed to complement dentists’ visual examinations and x-rays helping detect areas at risk of active tooth demineralization.
Who should use the CaviSense Toothpick?
The CaviSense™ Toothpick is for anyone that wants to test a targeted tooth surface for caries risk. The CaviSense™ Toothpick can be used effectively in clinical settings with adults as well as children, especially where x-rays or definitive diagnoses are difficult to obtain. The CaviSense™ Toothpick can also assist in monitoring areas susceptible to caries activity at home.
How much does the CaviSense™ Toothpick cost?
The CaviSense™ Toothpick allows you to screen for caries risk for as little as $3. In usability studies, clinicians typically use 2 to 4 toothpicks per patient. Use a new device for each tooth surface to be tested.
pH
Why is it important to measure localized tooth surface pH?
According to studies, localized tooth surface pH is a highly accurate indication of susceptibility to tooth demineralization. Clinical research (Stephan et al) shows when pH drops below the critical 5.5 level it indicates demineralization (caries) activity.
Doesn't your pH change throughout the day?
Research shows that whole mouth salivary pH can fluctuate. However, the local pH of areas susceptible to active demineralization will be below the critical level of 5.5.
How is CaviSense different from regular pH strips?
The CaviSense™Toothpick helps assess caries risk on targeted tooth surfaces while most salivary diagnostics or pH reading strips measure whole salivary pH which is not indicative of specific areas susceptible to active, tooth-specific demineralization.
Use Cases
Who should use the CaviSense Toothpick?
The CaviSense™ Toothpick is for anyone that wants to test a targeted tooth surface for caries risk. The CaviSense™ Toothpick can be used effectively in clinical settings with adults as well as children, especially where x-rays or definitive diagnoses are difficult to obtain. The CaviSense™ Toothpick can also assist in monitoring areas susceptible to caries activity in clinic and at home.
Can the CaviSense Toothpick be used with kids?
Yes; but, always with adult supervision.
Is the CaviSense Toothpick good for adults?
The CaviSense™ Toothpick is for anyone that wants to test a targeted tooth surface for caries risk.
How can the CaviSense Toothpick help in the dental clinic?
The first dentists to try CaviSense™ Toothpick found them especially helpful in the clinic with their patients that have difficulty sitting still, young patients, special needs patients and patients with braces. In their experience, the CaviSense™ Toothpick complemented their visual examinations and x-rays in detecting early-stage cavities. The CaviSense™ Toothpick also proved useful to clinicians in the monitoring of the effectiveness of prevention measures, such as remineralization protocols and Silver Diamine Fluoride treatments.
What are the benefits of using the CaviSense Toothpick in the dental clinic?
The CaviSense Toothpick is a strong communication tool that helps drive better care plans, enhanced patient experiences and increased acceptance rates. Additionally, the CaviSense Toothpick improves profitability driving incremental practice production.
Can the CaviSense Toothpick be used outside of the clinic?
Yes! The CaviSense™ Toothpick is easy to use for screening areas at risk of caries in the dental clinic and beyond; including for at-home monitoring, school screenings and others.
Sucrose Challenge
Why do I have to administer the CaviSense prep before using the CaviSense Toothpick?
The CaviSense™ prep solution is a sucrose challenge that brings the localized acid production to its maximum level revealing tooth surfaces at risk. Studies show (Stephan et al) that pH drops below the critical 5.5 pH level only in cases with caries lesions.
Accuracy
How accurate is the CaviSense Toothpick?
The CaviSense™ Toothpick is highly accurate. Laboratory tests confirm the CaviSense™ Toothpick accuracy > 98% when compared to the highly accurate, industrial, electronic pH meter.
Use
Can I adminster the CaviSense Toothpick after a cleaning or after teeth brushing?
For best results, use the CaviSense™ Toothpick before any brushing or cleaning to ensure sufficient biofilm for the test.
Can I use the CaviSense Toothpick on any tooth / any tooth surface?
Yes, the CaviSense Toothpick can be used to test any tooth and any tooth surface for high-caries-risk biofilm acids. The unique, ergonmic design of the CaviSense Toothpick makes is especially helpful to test the difficult-to-reach and hard-to-see interproximal spaces.
Safety
Are there any safety concerns or considerations?
The CaviSense™ Toothpick is a small device and should always be used under adult supervision.
The CaviSense Pro App
What is the CaviSense Pro app for?
The CaviSense™ Pro app helps capture and record test results. The app also enables results to be shared and synced with other wellness data.
How do I download the CaviSense Pro app?
The CaviSense™ Pro app has been developed to help capture and better interpret the results of the CaviSense Toothpick. You can download it today on the Apple app store. Coming soon...the CaviSense Pro app will be on the Google Play store.
The CaviSense viewing tray
What is the CaviSense viewing tray for?
The CaviSense™ stand is an accessory designed to help users better capture the results of the CaviSense™ Toothpick with the CaviSense™ Pro app. The CaviSense stand is uniquely designed to cradle the CaviSense™ Toothpick
Buying CaviSense devices
How can I buy CaviSense™ Toothpick?
The CaviSense™ Toothpick can be found in your dentist's office and sold through our website www.cavisense.com
Are there discounts for dental clinics?
Yes, CaviSense™ offers special trial offers for dental health professionals. Call +1(833) 245-4543 ext 2 for sales support or write to support@cavisense.com for help.
Can HSA accounts be used to pay for CaviSense Toothpicks?
Medical expenses that are used primarily to diagnose, prevent, or treat dental diseases are covered on a Flex Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), or Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). FSA, HSA, or HRA accounts may potentially be used. However, FSA, HSA, and HRA plans vary, please confirm eligibility directly with the FSA, HSA, or HRA administrator.
FDA
Have the CaviSense™ Toothpick been registered with the FDA?
Yes, the CaviSense™ Toothpick is registered with the FDA.
How can I get more information?
Call +1(833) 245-4543 ext 2 for sales support or write to support@cavisense.com. We are happy to help.
