Frequently Asked Questions
CarieScan PRO |
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How do I switch the CarieScan PRO on? |
See Keypad in Detail |
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How do I switch the CarieScan PRO off? |
See Keypad in Detail |
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How do I know if the reading is correct? |
If you have followed the manufacturer’s instructions, the reading will be correct as the measurement method is based on over 10 years of careful research and development and results have been validated histologically. |
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How can I tell how well charged the battery is, or how long I can expect to use it for? |
A low battery indicator icon will appear in status bar of the LCD when the battery charge drops below 20% charge. With full charge the CarieScan PRO will operate for more than 8 hours normal use. |
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Why is the blue LED on all time the CarieScan PRO unit is in the charger? |
This indicates that the CarieScan PRO battery is charging. |
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The feet on the unit do not all touch a flat surface. |
The CarieScan PRO is designed to be held upright in the stand or charging cradle only. (The small grommets are not “feet”) |
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How many times does the unit beep before it takes a successful determination? |
Once the CarieScan PRO detects a tooth surface 4 beeps will be heard followed by the result. See Displays in Detail |
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What does the hourglass mean? |
The CarieScan PRO is busy. When ready for measuring this will be accompanied by the flashing blue LED. |
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What are the up and down arrow keys for? |
See Keypad in Detail |
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What’s the cable for? |
The cable connects the lip clip to the CarieScan PRO to enable correct measurement. |
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How often should I test the device? |
The CarieScan PRO performs an automatic internal test every time it starts up. We recommend that an external test, using the cable and Cable Test Adapter, is performed every day before clinical use. |
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How do I do that? |
Place the blue Cable Test Adapter onto the CarieScan PRO then connect the cable to the Adapter and device. When the CarieScan PRO shows TSE on the display, press the Enter button. |
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What’s the blue sensor for and what do I do with it? |
This is the Cable Test Adapter, it is a non-disposable component which is used to test the device and confirm the system is operating correctly. The Cable Test Adapter is placed onto the CarieScan PRO in the same way as the disposable sensors. |
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Can I use the blue sensor on a patient? |
No. The Cable Test Adapter MUST NOT be used in a patient’s mouth. The CarieScan PRO detects the sensor type fitted and will not enable a caries detection. |
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Will the patient feel anything? |
No. |
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Will the user feel anything? |
No. |
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What’s the accuracy of detecting caries? |
CarieScan PRO has a sensitivity of greater than 92%. |
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That sounds similar to other diagnostic devices. What else does CarieScan PRO do? |
Unlike other devices CarieScan PRO also has a specificity of greater than 92% (meaning the proportion of sound sites which are detected as healthy). |
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What’s the applied frequency range? |
3kHz to 20kHz |
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What current is applied? |
< 5µA |
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Is it safe? |
Yes. CarieScan PRO conforms to international safety standards. |
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How does it work? |
By applying a variable frequency signal and assessing the response measured from the tooth surface being examined. |
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What does the green light mean? |
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What do the yellow lights mean? |
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Why are there more yellow lights? |
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What does the red light mean? |
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How does the device know when it’s touching a tooth? |
When the device is ready, with blue LED flashing, the CarieScan PRO analysis determines if the result is in an acceptable range. When the sensor only touches air, the response is not acceptable. |
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Does it always take the same length of time for a result? |
To get a result the sensor must be touching the tooth surface and allow 4 short beeps consecutive. The time taken for the consecutive beeps will be the same. |
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Can we trust it? |
When used in accordance with the User Manual, the reading will be correct as the measurement method is based on over 10 years of careful research and development and results have been validated histologically. |
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Can it measure on children? |
Yes. Note that with recently erupted deciduous teeth, care should be taken to cross-reference CarieScan PRO readings with the results of conventional clinical examinations and the clinician’s judgement. The device may be used to monitor individual deciduous tooth surfaces over time to help determine caries development and treatment decisions. |
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When can it not be used? |
The CarieScan PRO should not be used to assess:
Further, the CarieScan PRO should not be used when tooth surfaces are covered with an excess of plaque and / or other debris. |
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How do I clean it? |
The CarieScan PRO and Cable should be wiped down with alcohol-based wipes regularly. |
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Will nail varnish remover work as a cleaner? |
No. Acetone based solvents will damage many plastics. Use iso-propanol based solvents, or similar. |
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Can I put it in the autoclave? |
No. |
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The “charging cradle” doesn’t seem to have power inlet. |
The stand is a similar shape to the charger and is designed to hold the CarieScan PRO within the patient environment. The charging cradle has a power inlet and must remain outside the patient environment. |
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How do I prepare the tooth? |
See Using the PRO |
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Should I prepare a single tooth at a time? |
See Using the PRO |
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How long do I need to dry it for? |
Dry the tooth for 5 seconds to remove any pooled fluid using a standard practice air line. |
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Can the tooth be dried too much? |
Yes, if dried for longer than 5 seconds this may affect your measurement. |
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Can I purchase additional cables and other parts? |
See Ordering |
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Can I use it on anterior teeth? |
Yes, although CarieScan PRO has been optimised for posterior teeth where caries is harder to detect. |
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Can I use it on erupting teeth? |
Yes, but there are limitations with using the device on teeth up to 3 years after their eruption – do not solely rely on a single CarieScan PRO measurement result for making a restorative treatment decision on a tooth surface on such teeth; use the device to monitor the tooth surface over time to determine the appropriate treatment decision. |
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Can I use it on restored teeth? |
No |
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Can I use it to detect secondary caries? |
No |
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Can I use it detect cracks? |
No |
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I’m a trained dentist, why do you think I need one of these? |
No matter how experienced or skilled a practitioner may be, it is not always possible to overcome the limitations of the human eye in the field of dentistry and caries detection is becoming harder with changes in lesion morphology. See References |
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I’ve used other devices but found that they often give false positives. What do you say to that? |
Some other devices using different technologies are reported to have lower specificity and therefore a high number of false positives. The CarieScan PRO has a specificity of greater than 92% and should therefore have fewer false positives than systems with lower specificities. See How it Works |
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How do I change the battery? |
The unit is sealed and should not be opened. If you have a problem with your battery please call the helpline for support. |
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Is it protected against water and dust? |
Yes. CarieScan PRO is protected against water spray and dust to the standard known as IP43. However, it must not be submerged in water. |
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I dropped the device into a sink filled with water. What do I do now? |
The performance and safety of the CarieScan PRO can no longer be guaranteed. You must contact the helpline for advice. |
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I have some pregnant patients. Will the CarieScan PRO harm their unborn babies? |
There is no evidence to suggest that CarieScan PRO causes any ill-affect to unborn babies. |
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Will the electrical current cause any affect to a pacemaker? |
No. |
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What do I do if the device won’t charge when placed on the cradle? |
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If there are upgrades to the software, how do I upgrade my device? |
A service plan is available to purchase enabling upgrades and calibration. |
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Will the device work with standard alkaline batteries? |
No. The CarieScan PRO has an internal rechargeable battery that is not accessible by the user. If you have a problem with your battery, please contact the helpline. |
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Is the product fully certified and safety tested? |
Yes. It has also been tested and fulfils the following safety standards: IEC / UL 60601-1 General Requirements for Safety |
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What do the numbers (in yellow region) mean? |
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I don’t get a reading when I place the sensor on a tooth |
Make sure the cable is in place on the patient lip. See Using the PRO |
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I am getting RED results all the time on what appear to be sound teeth |
Ensure the tooth is dried and prepared as described in the Caries Detection Protocol in the User Manual. See Using the PRO |
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I am getting GREEN results all the time on what appear to be carious lesions. |
This is unusual. It is possible that some staining has produced a misleading visual appearance suggesting caries. If a radiograph is available, check what diagnostic information is available from that. |
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What do all the beeps at start up mean? |
At every startup the CarieScan PRO performs a series of internal tests to confirm the measurement circuit is operating correctly. |
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What does TSE mean? |
The blue Cable Test Adapter is on and the device is waiting to test the external circuit. |
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How do I test that the unit is calibrated? |
The CarieScan PRO is calibrated at production. At every startup the device performs a series of tests to ensure the measurement circuit is operating within specification. |
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What do I do if the unit fails calibration? |
Please contact the helpline for the returns procedure. |
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What do the icons on the screen mean? |
The images of teeth represent occlusal and accessible free smooth surfaces. These show when the sensor is in place and a measurements on those surfaces can be made. |
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Can I use CarieScan PRO for teeth which are fissure sealed? |
No |
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Can I use CarieScan PRO for teeth with implants? |
No |
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Can I use CarieScan PRO for a tooth where other surfaces are filled? |
Yes, the sensor measures the characteristics of the tooth structure beneath it and restorations on other surfaces should not preclude its use on unrestored surfaces. |
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Can I use CarieScan PRO for a tooth where other surfaces are decayed? |
Yes, the sensor measures the characteristics of the tooth structure beneath it and this should not be significantly affected by caries in other surfaces, unless there is massive destruction of tooth tissue. |
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Can I use CarieScan PRO to detect approximal lesions? |
Not at this time. |
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Who can use CarieScan PRO? |
A Dentist or Dental Care Professional (DCP) trained to have competence in its use (the evolving General Dental Council regulations should be adhered to for DCP use) |
Sensors |
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How do I put the sensor onto the PRO? |
Hold the CarieScan PRO with the screen facing up. Place the sensor onto the tip of the CarieScan PRO with the tuft pointing down. |
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How do I remove the sensor from the PRO? |
To remove the sensor from the CarieScan PRO, squeeze the sensor on the textured side grips to release the catch and remove from the device. |
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The sensor has melted in the autoclave, can I get a refund? |
No. The sensors are disposable, for single use only. |
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Can I cold disinfect the sensors? |
No. The sensors are disposable, for single use only. |
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Where do I dispose of used sensors? |
All sensors must be disposed of as sharp contaminated waste. All such waste must be placed in a suitable receptacle marked as biohazard, conforming to the required regulations. |
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How do I order more? |
See Ordering. |
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How much are they? |
Please contact the helpline for latest pricing information. |
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Can I brush the teeth with the sensor first? |
No. The sensor is designed to be used for measuring a tooth surface and may be damaged if used for any other purpose. |
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How hard do I press the sensor onto the tooth? |
Press the sensor firmly onto the surface to be measured, but not so hard that the tuft becomes splayed. |
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Can I use the tufted sensor on approximal surfaces? |
No. The measurements for the tufted sensor are mapped to the occlusal and free smooth surfaces. |
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What surfaces can I measure? |
With the tufted sensor, you can measure free smooth (Labial/buccal and lingual) as well as the occlusal surfaces. |
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How many sensors do I need to buy at a time? |
The minimum order for sensor packs is a box of 50. |
CarieScan PLUS |
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It won’t start up. How do I do that? |
Press the power button. If it fails to start, check to see it the unit has been charged. |
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The unit has 'hung', what do I do? |
In the unusual event that the CarieScan PLUS stops responding, you can perform a “warm boot” by holding down F1, F2 and F3 together. |
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Every time I touch the screen it doesn’t respond correctly. What’s wrong? |
The touchscreen may need recalibrating. Go to the Control Panel and select the touchscreen calibration option. |
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How do I charge the unit? |
The unit should be placed in the docking station with the power supply attached and switched on. |
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Is it safe to take the CarieScan PLUS device near the patient? |
Yes. The CarieScan PLUS conforms to international safety standards. The docking cradle and other mains powered devices must remain outside the patient environment. |
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I can’t find the cable to join it to the CarieScan PRO. |
The CarieScan PRO and CarieScan PLUS pair up wirelessly via Bluetooth. |
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How do I clean it? |
The CarieScan PRO and Cable should be wiped down with alcohol-based wipes regularly. |
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Why do I need the appointment page when I already record appointments? |
This is optional and helps to help maintain a daily log of patients to be measured with CarieScan PLUS. |
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Can I save the data? |
Yes. The data entered into the patient records are stored automatically in flash memory on an internal SD card. |
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Can I transfer the data to my practice management software? |
Not at this time. Upgrades may be possible in the future. |
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What can this do that my PC can’t? |
The CarieScan PLUS is a medically approved device that is specifically designed to work with the CarieScan PRO. It comprises a patient management system that reflects the CarieScan Caries Management Cycle and displays results custom information to the dental Team and Patient. |
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The unit won’t charge? |
Ensure that the CarieScan PLUS is docked in its cradle and the power supply is switched on. When charging a yellow light will be on at the rear of the docking cradle and on the keypad of the CarieScan PLUS. |
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How do I backup the data? |
The data is stored on an internal SD card that can be transferred to PC. |
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Can I swap the SD card for a bigger one? |
The existing SD card allows the storage of several thousand of patient records. While and larger capacity SD card can be installed, the access compartment is for service personnel only. |
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I see inside the compartment there’s another expansion slot. What can I stick in there? |
The compartment is for service personnel only and must not be opened. The CarieScan PLUS can be upgraded to incorporate CompactFlash cards, such as wireless LAN, this is for later upgrades. |
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How do I know which tooth the database is ready to record? |
During Assessment the CarieScan PLUS display graphically shows which tooth is selected by circling it and presents the tooth number in a box at the top right. |
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How do I know which surface the database is ready to record? |
The graphical display shows an exploded view of the tooth with the selected surface / site circled. |
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The help menu talks about the ‘Enter’ F1 – F4 keys, but there are no such keys on the unit. |
The row of buttons at the top of the keymat are (from left to right) F1, F2, F3 and F4. These also correspond to context sensitive touchscreen keys shown above on the screen. The Enter key is the circular key at the centre of the cursor keypad. |
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Can I plug a keyboard in? |
Yes. A keyboard can be plugged into the USB port of the docking cradle or a suitable Bluetooth keyboard can also be setup. |
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And a proper mouse? |
A mouse can be plugged into the USB port of the docking cradle or a suitable Bluetooth mouse can be setup. |
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And a larger display? |
Not at this time. The CarieScan PLUS is designed to be a stand-alone unit that is medically approved for use in the patient environment. |
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Why can’t I input text on the New Patient screen? |
If the onscreen keyboard is not visible, then touch the ‘A’ icon in the title bar to show it. The keyboard can enter data and, if required, can be moved by tap and dragging the title bar. |
General Queries |
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Can I link any other equipment to the CarieScan PRO? |
While the CarieScan PRO can be discovered by other Bluetooth enabled devices, it can only be controlled by approved CarieScan products. |
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If the contents are not complete in the box, what do I do? |
Contact the helpline. |