Figure 1.
We live in the golden age of dental technology. The advances allow us to provide more comprehensive and better treatment for our patients.
I am a true believer in laser technology, but I feel many dentists avoid lasers or purchase lasers only to have them gather dust. What if we paired a new concept in technology with a proven dental technology? That’s what was done with the new Precise® SHP Diode laser system from the CAO group–it pairs a diode laser with an Apple® iPod touch.
I am a true believer in laser technology, but I feel many dentists avoid lasers or purchase lasers only to have them gather dust.
Figure 2.
Now we have the ability to access clinical, technical and customer support via FaceTime. The laser system can be easily upgraded, has Wi-Fi connectivity and is Bluetooth-enabled. The iPod touch contains pre-installed videos, including training and procedure demonstrations, that offer the new laser user the clinical support needed and the seasoned user a place to compare techniques and settings. As new techniques or advancements are developed, they can be easily added to your iPod touch, with no worry about the technology becoming outdated or obsolete.
The laser has plenty of power, pulsed or continuous; disposable tips that come pre-sterilized at a reasonable cost; wireless foot pedal; easy-to-hold handpiece and the ability to provide laser-assisted whitening or pain therapy with special attachments.
Figure 3.
While these features are pretty standard for a diode laser system, what sets this one apart is how the hand piece actually fits on your handpiece rack, making it easily accessible and ready to go so it can be incorporated into everyday practice of dentistry. There is also a mount for the iPod touch to be placed on your handpiece rack so you can operate the laser from the iPod and watch a video or access other support while doing the procedure (see fig. 1).
Figure 4.
Here are a few examples:
1. Treating a apthous ulcer: Diode lasers are great at reducing pain and decreasing healing time. The technique is easy: 1.6 watts, pulsed, non-initiated tip, near contact for one minute (see fig. 2).
There are many applications for the laser: recontouring soft tissue; soft tissue crown lengthening; troughing prior to crown and bridge impressions; all of the “ectomies” including frenectomy, gingivectomy, etc.; implant exposure; endodontic disinfections; and aphous ulcer treatment. The list goes on. Diode lasers can also whiten teeth and provide pain relief for TMJ and jaw muscle problems.
Figure 5.
2. Small hemangioma of the lower lip, purplish in color and usually slightly raised (see fig. 3). This condition can be easily treated with a diode laser: .8 watts, continuous, initiated, first treat in a non-contact mode for 30 seconds over the lesion. Then enter the lesion with the laser tip; slight bleeding will occur. Then remove outer layer of lesion, scrape bed or base of lesion until bleeding stops, usually (very minimal) and you’re done (see figs. 4 & 5).
3. This pairing of technologies with the Precise SHP Diode laser system takes the guesswork out of utilizing a laser, relieves fear of the learning curve, and creates a comfort zone that enables Dentists to truly incorporate technology into their offices.