George Freedman, DDS
Fay Goldstep, DDS
Most dentists do not thrive on the multiple challenges of brand new, high-tech, high-stress technologies. The diode laser, however, holds promise to be different. It can become clinically useful after appropriate in-office or online instructions. The easiest entry points for the laser tyro are gingival troughing for impressions and hemostasis. Online and lecture follow-up training enhance both the clinicians’ and auxiliaries’ comfort level and competency for other procedures that involve tissue removal.
Lasers are an innovative technology, which can be uniquely kind to tissues, and potentially exhibit excellent post-op healing, and are increasingly used in medicine. While dental lasers are well documented in the academic and clinical dental literature, historically they have been perceived as lacking in general utility, too complicated and expensive. The diode laser has made inroads into these perceived drawbacks.
Lasers are classified by their lasing medium (diode semiconductors for the diode laser). Recent advances in diode technology have resulted in compact, low-cost lasers. The current focus is on the 810- to 980-nm diode families. These wavelengths interact primarily with hemoglobin and melanin, tailor-made for dental procedures. Diode lasers, therefore, primarily use the heat effect to treat the target tissues to precisely remove or contour the soft tissue. Power and pulse settings can be adjusted by the clinician (with expanded proficiency education and training) to accommodate any patient and procedure preferences.
One of the most exciting new clinical applications is periodontal therapy. Scaling and root planing outcomes are significantly enhanced when combined with diode laser therapy. Diode laser treatment is patient-friendly and shown to have bactericidal effects in periodontal pockets, improved gingival healing, and may stimulate localized growth factors.
“Big box” solid-state continuous wave or gated-pulsed dental lasers of the past, which were large and expensive, no longer are needed and similar clinical performance can be obtained with semi-conductor diode arrays. They are now less costly to manufacture. This makes them not only affordable, but a basic operating tool, in every operatory, for the practicing dentist. The soft-tissue diode laser has become a must-have mainstream technology for the general practice.
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DenMat
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CAO Group
The Precise SHP diode laser system is the first to perfectly combine state-of-the-art diode laser technology with the cutting-edge operating system of an Apple iPod touch. The revolutionary Precise SHP enhances everyday dentistry with real-time technical support by using FaceTime. Every practitioner will have precise control and be able to shape gingiva, achieve hemo-stasis, remove inflamed tissue, debride periodontal pockets, offer in-office professional teeth whitening, and provide pain therapy. For more information, call (877) 236-4408, option 1 or visit preciselasers.com.
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Sirona Dental Systems
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The high-quality SIROLaser family operates in the 980-nm soft-tissue category and offers unique intuitive user navigation with customizable settings, integrated finger switch, and award-winning designs. The lasers come with presets in endodontics, periodontology, tissue management, and surgery. The SIROLaser Advance is the complete solution with battery operation, programmable user access, history files, and 14W peak power, while the SIROLaser Xtend offers an advantageous price point solution and is upgradeable to the SIROLaser Advance. For more information, call (800) 659-5977.
Zila Pharmaceuticals
The NV Microlaser puts diode laser technology in your hand with a convenient, cordless device. It is one of the smallest and lightest lasers on the market. It is activated by a wireless footpedal, providing better flexibility and mobility than hand-activated lasers while also allowing unobstructed access and visibility with posterior procedures without finger fatigue or loss of dexterity. Custom features include LCD screen, preset procedures, disposable tips, an intelligent gravity sensor, and a compact charger. For more information, call (800) 228-5595 or visit zila.com.
AMD LASERS
Picasso laser technology ushers in a new era in soft-tissue treatment by providing better experiences and results for patients compared to traditional modalities of soft-tissue surgery. The integration of the Picasso line of soft-tissue dental lasers enables every dental practice to provide treatment for soft-tissue surgery, periodontal treatment, and laser whitening. Picasso laser technology is an effective and affordable solution for every operatory in your practice. For more information, call (866) 999-2635 or visit amdlasers.com.
Lasers4Dentistry
XLASE is the first and only 1,064-nm semiconductor laser, which is the exact same wavelength as the proven soft-tissue and perio Nd:YAG lasers. Advanced features include (1) a high-visibility green aiming beam, (2) true portability, (3) it weighs only 3 lbs, (4) long-life battery operation, (5) touchscreen navigation, (6) 99 presets, and (7) on-board clinical video guidance. It boasts 10W of power with microsecond and millisecond pulsing that provides more control and cutting speed. XLASE is a reliable, significantly lower-cost alternative to older technologies. For more information, call (949) 276-6650 or visit t4med.com.
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BIOLASE
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EPIC is one of the latest and most affordable dental laser innovations. Its compact and portable touchscreen encompasses 3 distinct modes—soft-tissue surgery, whitening, and pain therapy. Full-mouth whitening procedures can whiten 4 to 6 shades in only 20 minutes of treatment. All this is done with up to 10W of power. For additional information, call (888) 424-6527 or visit Millennium Dental Technologies
The PerioLase MVP-7 Digital TruePulse Nd:YAG lasers’ award-winning technology gives all clinicians ultimate tissue control with more than 41 laser-based procedures from nonablative elimination of mucoceles to the ability to effectively treat peri-implantitis. Designed specifically for the LANAP protocol, the only laser periodontitis surgery histologically and scientifically proven to work, the PerioLase MVP-7 includes an intuitive Samsung 10.1 tablet display with fingertip controls plus a built-in power meter and Joule counter for treatment accuracy and patient safety. For more information, call (888) 49-LASER or visit lanap.com.
DEKA Laser Technologies
The DEKA Smart CO2 Laser offers the preferred wavelength for soft-tissue procedures with a proprietary UltraSpeed pulse—providing quick ablation without charring or heat conduction to surrounding tissue—and a fine-point beam for precise cutting. This cutting-edge technology delivers minimally invasive techniques and treatment protocols unmatched by any other technology with a broad range of treatment capabilities. The laser enables you to add new procedures. For more information, call (888) 649-6425 or visit implantdirect.com.
BIOLASE
The dual-wavelength WaterLase iPlus all-tissue laser delivers 2,780-nm YSGG and 940-nm diode versatility with a docking station for optional wireless iLase. The iPlus delivers 10W of power and has up to 100 pulses/second for superior soft-tissue cutting. It also cuts hard-tissue as fast as conventional drills but without the risk of cross-contamination. For more information, call (888) 424-6527 or visit biolase.com.
