today IDS Cologne Show Preview

science & practice 15Show Preview IDS Cologne 2013 edge technology commands steep prices, but diode lasers are less ex- pensive to produce. Breakthrough pricing for this technology has now reached under US$5,000. At this level, the diode laser becomes emi- nently affordable for the average practising dentist. Gingivectomy, haemostasis and gingival troughing for impressions are easy entry points for the new laser user. The Picasso diode laser makes restorative dentistry a simple task. Any gingival tissue covering a tooth during preparation can easily be removed, as haemostasis is simul- taneously achieved (Figs. 2–5). The restoration is no longer com- promised due to poor gingival condi- tions and there is no more battling with unruly soft tissue and blood. Gingival troughing prior to impres- sion taking ensures an accurate im- pression, particularly at the mar- gins, and an improved restorative outcome. Packing cord is no longer necessary. Operculectomy, excision and/or recontouring of gingival hyperpla- sia, and frenectomy are not com- monly offered or performed by gen- eral dentists. However, they are examples of the expanded range of servicesreadilyaddedtothegeneral practice with the diode laser. Den- tists become more proactive in deal- ing with hyperplastic tissue that can increase risk of caries and peri- odontaldisease.Afrenectomyisnow a simple and straightforward pro- cedure. Two types of diode lasers have beenstudiedfortheireffectsinlaser- assisted periodontal therapy: (a) the diode laser (which emits high levels of light energy); and (b) the low-level diode laser (which emits low-inten- sity light energy). There is very com- pelling evidence in the dental litera- ture that the addition of diode laser treatmenttoscalingandrootplaning will produce significantly improved and longer-lasting results. Scaling and root planing is the gold standard in non-surgical periodontal treat- ment. Low-level lasers for biostimu- lation have been used in medicine since the 1980s. The therapeutic ef- fect is non-cutting and low intensity, and covers a much wider area than the traditional laser. Low-level laser therapy is treatment in which the lightenergyemittedbythelaserelic- its beneficial cellular and biological responses. At a cellular level, me- tabolism is increased, stimulating the production of adenosine triphos- phate, the fuel that powers the cell. This increase in energy is available to normalise cell function and pro- mote tissue healing. The functions of the diode and low-level diode lasers have re- mainedseparateuntilrecently.With the Picasso biostimulation delivery tip, the diode laser is now able to provide both cutting and therapeu- tic effects. When the low-level tip is used, the laser energy is delivered over a wider area, decreasing the energy level and producing a low-level ther- apeutic effect. The soft-tissue diode laser has become an essential mainstream technology for every general prac- tice. Its science, ease of use, and affordability make it simple to in- corporate. The laser is now the essential soft-tissue handpiece for the prac- tice. In fact, there is a case for having a diode laser in each restorative and each hygiene treatment room. Diode lasers make restorative dentistry less stressful, more predictable and more enjoyable for the dental team and the patient. Laser therapy expands the clini- cal scope of practice to new soft- tissue procedures that keep patients in the office. The patient’s gingival health is improved in a minimally invasive, gentler manner. 7 Dr Fay Goldstep has served on the teach- ing faculties of the postgraduate pro- grammes in aesthetic dentistry at SUNY Buffalo, the University of Florida (Gaines- ville) and the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis), and has been an ADA Seminar Series speaker. She is a consult- ant to a number of dental companies, and maintains a private practice in Toronto, Canada. Dr George Freedman is a founder and past president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a co-founder of the Canadian Academy for Esthetic Dentistry and a diplomate of the American Board of Aesthetic Dentistry. He was recently awarded the Irwin Smigel Prize in Aes- thetic Dentistry by the New York Univer- sity College of Dentistry. INTERESTED IN BECOMING A DISTRIBUTOR? Beutlich® Pharmaceuticals, LLC is currently looking for distributors worldwide. If interested, please contact Mr. David Clinard, International Sales Manager: TEL: +248-302-3475 Email: dclinard@beutlich.com HurriCaine®, HurriView, HurriView II and HurriSeal are registered trademarks of Beutlich Pharmaceuticals, LLC. Snap -n- Go is a trademark of Beutlich Pharmaceuticals, LLC. www.beutlich.com. IDSA 478 1212 20% Benzocaine for fast, temporary relief of occasional minor irritation and pain associated with: orthodontic appliances HurriView® and HurriView II® highlight where improved oral hygiene is needed improve their oral hygiene routines EFFECTIVE FAST-ACTING SAFE STOP BY USA PAVILLION HALL 4.2, BOOTH #L76 FOR A FREE SAMPLE! unit dose Snap -n- Go™ Swabs FAST-ACTING Chairside results TREATS SENSITIVITY When used for cervical sensitivity, HurriSeal® will last for 6 to 9 months PREVENTS SENSITIVITY When applied under restorations, HurriSeal lasts for the lifetime of the restoration EASY TO USE SOFT TISSUE FRIENDLY Gentle to soft tissue and does not cause gingival irritation when used as directed AD 5 Fig. 2 5 Fig. 3 5 Fig. 4 5 Fig. 5