Homing in with Laser Focus
A roundup of some of the best diode lasers on the market now.
Dental diode lasers can be used for a wide variety of soft tissue procedures when treating patients. They function in many ways, and can be especially useful for periodontal therapy and hygiene applications. Utilizing laser energy, the dental diode laser eliminates the need for a scalpel by way of its cutting laser beam. The laser energy is absorbed through melanin, water, hemoglobin, and pigmentation. This makes it considerably easier to cut through soft tissue for many necessary treatments. For periodontal treatment, diode lasers can specifically home in on necrotic tissue, leaving healthy tissue alone. Being a laser, the heat from the beam is able to cauterize treatment areas. Explaining this to the patient may help treatment acceptance, as the healing process begins immediately rather than having a scalpel cut and leave an incision. Outside of periodontal application, diode lasers can also be applied for crown preparation by cutting accurate prep margins while eliminating the potential contaminants from traditional incision. Composite restorations benefit from diode lasers by way of easy dead tissue removal, and diode lasers can even be used to remove lesions. Hygienists can use diode lasers to reduce pocket depth, and to eliminate unnecessary bleeding. Added to this convenience and multitude of uses, diode lasers are also uniquely affordable for dental practices. Their utility in many different treatments and procedures give it a large return on investment, and may perhaps boost the profitability of the practice in the long run. The industry has a wide offering of diode lasers suited to a practice’s unique requirements. Some small and some large, these diode lasers can fit comfortably in any practice and can treat without causing unnecessary stress to the patient or practitioner. Here we will take a look at just some of the dental diode lasers that are currently available to dental professionals.
Photo courtesy of Alexander Mituic/stock.adobe.com.
Bluewave Soft Tissue Diode Laser
With enhanced procedural efficiency, the versatile Bluewave™ soft tissue diode laser is ready for any restorative or periodontal indication and boasts 5 W of power and 3 preprogrammed settings (debride, perio, and cut). With its compact size and wireless foot pedal, the Bluewave offers true lightweight portability while its robust lithium-ion rechargeable battery allows for over 3 hours of continuous use on every charge.
Clinician’s Choice Dental Products, Inc
800-265-3444 | clinicianschoice.com
Gemini 810 + 980 Diode Laser
The unique dual-wavelength technology combines the optimal melanin absorption of an 810-nm wavelength diode laser with the optimal water absorption of a 980-nm wavelength diode laser. Twenty watts of peak super-pulsed power means faster, smoother cutting and the Bluetooth foot pedal allows for wireless control. The simple user interface has 20 preset procedures in 980 and 21 in 810. The handpiece is autoclavable.
Ultradent
800-552-5512 | ultradent.com
Photon and Photon Plus Series
The Photon and Photon Plus dental diode lasers are portable soft tissue surgical devices operating on 810/980 nm wavelength and 3.0/10.0 watts of power. Both are equipped with a responsive touch screen display, wireless foot switch, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and preset programs and custom programs for soft tissue surgery applications. The Photon Plus laser also features teeth whitening. Optional features include low level laser therapy and pain therapy.
Zolar Technology & Mfg. Co, Inc.
905-593-3605 | zolartek.com
Epic X
Epic X is the all-in-one everyday diode laser. This aerosol-free dental laser features new software technology and a new cordless foot pedal among other notable innovations. With quick surgical capabilities, numerous hygiene procedures (where permitted), plus modes for pain therapy and whitening, Epic X is a highly versatile, productive instrument. Epic X features 3 distinct treatment modes and 30 clinical indications, greatly expanding the utility of your Epic X laser. You have access to surgery, pain relief, and whitening procedures from a single device, ensuring quick payback and long-term ROI. Epic X is cleared for temporary relief of minor pain, including pain associated with TMJ or other thermomandibular disorders.
BIOLASE
833-246-5273 | biolase.com
XPulse and XPulse II
XPulse® allows for the choice of the most appropriate wavelength and specific settings that will achieve the desired type of laser-tissue interaction to produce the intended effect. Features include a compact design, a high optical level of efficiency, minimal maintenance required, maximized portability, and ease of use. The XPulse has wavelengths of 810 nm, 980 nm, and 1064 nm. The XPulse II has wavelengths of 445 nm, 810 nm, and 980 nm.
Fotona
972-598-9000 | Fotona.com
Horizon
The Horizon laser from Summus Lasers touts a variety of features. It has 4 wavelengths: 650 nm to accelerate surface healing, 810 nm for ATP production, 915 nm for oxygen delivery, and 980 nm to improve circulation. It is designed for ease of use with a touch screen interface that can serve as guidance for treatment protocol. Summus also offers clinical support and unlimited continuing education to aid in best practices with the Horizon laser. It has a treatment versatility with a 25-mm zoom (open lens) and intraoral tip.
Summus Lasers
615-595-7749 | summuslaser.com
Spectralase Implant Diode Laser
Standing as the only diode laser developed to treat peri-implantitis, the Spectralase implant diode laser touts 100% bacteria elimination on the implant surface while keeping the temperature of the implant and surrounding bone under the critical threshold. It is a 980-nm diode laser with a super pulse mode, a powerful advanced pulse mode amplitude, and the proper power density to ensure bacteria elimination while keeping the implant under the critical temperature threshold and not damaging the titanium surface. It is also suitable for general, all-purpose soft tissue use. Spectralase is delivered fully equipped, requires no maintenance, and includes a 3-year warranty.
Spectrum Lasers
925-788-3954 | spectralaserdental.com
NV PRO3 Microlaser
The NV® PRO3 Microlaser has set new quality levels for convenience, portability, and ease of use among soft tissue diode dental lasers. Features include portability with a weight of 1.9 oz, wireless foot pedal controls, and a base charger that stores the laser unit and charges up to 3 batteries at the same time.
DenMat
800-433-6628 | DenMat.com
Precise LTM
The Precise LTM diode laser from CAO Group touts a variety of features that set it apart. The laser features a simple, sturdy, and compact design as well as ease of use between operatories. It has an ergonomic pen-style handpiece. It comes with a comprehensive 6-hour continuing education online training program for clinicians to familiarize themselves with the laser for best practices.
CAO Group
877-877-9778 | caogroup.com
SiroLaser Blue
The compact SiroLaser Blue is the first dental diode laser to have a blue, an infrared, and a red diode. Its features include a blue wavelength 445 nm for surgery, an infrared wavelength 970 nm for perio and hygiene, and a red wavelength 660 nm for photobiomodulation. The unit is ready for use with minimal setup and features an ergonomic handpiece for practitioner and patient comfort.
Dentsply Sirona
844-848-0137 | dentsplysirona.com
Download Issue: Dental Products Report January 2022
