Implementing Laser Dentistry
The Roundtable video series is a forum for discussion and debate on key topics, trends, and techniques in dentistry. For each edition, Inside Dentistry's editor-in-chief, Robert C. Margeas, DDS, and a panel of experts examine a subject to help expand your knowledge and improve your practice. This month, our panel takes a look at some of the latest advances in lasers.
The panel begins by discussing the use of lasers in dental hygiene. Robert Levine, DDS, explains that, regardless of the procedure, the operator of the laser needs to have the proper training and understand the science in order to achieve the best outcomes. Both John Fluke, DDS, and Scott Benjamin, DDS, agree, and Benjamin adds that "controversy becomes associated with using lasers in hygiene when people use inappropriate devices while trying to get the appropriate results."
The conversation then moves on to explore the different ways that lasers can be used in both general and specialty practices. Fluke explains that introductory lasers require less of an investment than they used to. "Doctors can do tons of things with a laser, without having to dip into their retirement plans, and provide incredible results for their patients," he says. "In many different situations, lasers provide better outcomes than other modalities."
Next, the panel examines the exciting topic of photobiomodulation (PBM)-a buzzword in the laser field that, according to Fluke, involves "putting the photons of a laser into an area of inflammation and allowing the laser to decrease the inflammation and speed up the healing." Benjamin notes that PBM is a big part of his practice and highlights current research regarding the use of PBM to wipe out oral mucositis, a horrific side effect of cancer treatments. After Levine shares his experiences involving using PBM to treat temporomandibular disorders in professional baseball players, the Roundtable wraps up with the panel giving tips on what to look for in a laser and how to optimize the ROI in practice.
Watch the full video on AEGIS TV at aegistv.com.
What You'll Learn
The uses of lasers in dental hygiene and in general and specialty practices
The concept of PBM and how it fits into oral healthcare
How to optimize ROI with a laser
Meet the Panel
Scott Benjamin, DDS, is a member of an ANSI subcommittee on laser safety, has faculty appointments at several universities, and is a consultant for dental technology companies. He maintains a private practice in Sidney, New York.
John Flucke, DDS, is the technology editor of Dental Products Report and the chief development officer at Cellerant Consulting Group. He maintains a private practice in Lee's Summit, Missouri.
Robert Levine, DDS, is the president of Global Laser Oral Health, the president of Levine Consulting, and the director of laser dentistry at Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health.
