Hard tissue lasers 




The opinions and photographs within this web page are not ours.
Authors have been credited  for the individual posts where they are.
- Photos courtesy of Glen Van As - www.rxroots.com


Hi there Mark:  I have 2 protege plus 6 step scopes and I like them because
they have a low range of 2.6 X and a high of 24 (rarely used , only for spot checks)

If you are used to working at 3.5 to 4 X  magnification right now then you are fine
( whether you want to take photos or not is irrelevant as my understanding is the
either the 4 step Entree Extra or the six step Protege plus will mount a digital
camera (not much weight).  If you want a co-observation tube ( not needed in
restorative but maybe in endo) then you need a protege plus 6 step scope.

The main difference in my opinion is the low end where alot of GPs are using 2-2.5 X
magnification and get frustrated if the low end of the scope is 4 X magnification
( as it is with the protege plus).

If you are presently using around 4X mag then dont worry.

Make sure you get inclinable binoculars which allow for much better posture
( Gary Carrs wonderful Carr adapter will also improve your posture if needed)
and make the commitment to use the scope.

I will contend that as a GP using the scope for 4 years now I have added alot
onto my original scope (digital camera, video , monitors everywhere and a whole
new 2nd  scope) and it is the SINGLE most important piece of equipment
in my office ( well ok maybe the dental chair).

PS here is a case I did yesterday with the scope and my hard tissue laser and
NO anesthetic at all for either the soft tissue or hard tissue.

All photographs were taken through the scope and the patient watched the whole
procedure live and commented afterwards that it was like watching someone else
getting the work done as he couldnt feel the laser cutting his tissue.

In closing one thing I have started using the Nikon 990 for is to take photos
during the case and at the end of the whole procedure to put it on "PLAY" on the
camera and flip through the photos which are displayed on a 20 inch TV
( A flat screen works just as well or better) as the video output runs to the
TV input and you can run a slide show showing the patient what you did and if
things need further work why.

My patients LOVE this and it is a phenomenal communication device.

It works awesome.........

Try it.

Glenn van As  ( the humble GP)



Photos courtesy of Glen Van As - www.rxroots.com








Please click on the images to see enlarged view


From: Kachman
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2001 11 31

I just have to ask...why did that soft tissue need to be lasered prior to placing that restoration?

Phil Kachanoski, Peachland  BC


From: Glenn van As
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2001 12 12

Phil you could use cord to push the tissue away. If you like amalgam that works great too.

I am always all ears to have the experts tell me as a general dentist
how they would handle these situations. - Glenn


From: Bill Watson
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2001 17 15

>In closing one thing I have started using the Nikon 990 for is to take photos
>during the case and at the end of the whole procedure to put it on "PLAY" ......
>
I have found also that the pts are fascinated by seeing the images of their tooth
on the screen.  It certainly does enhance the communication with the pt.

Bill Watson DDS, MS, FAAOMP, MBA
Clinical Assistant Professor
U of Missouri-Kansas City
College of Dentistry
215 South Hillside
Wichita, KS 67211  USA
316-681-1099



From: Yosef Nahmias 
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2001 17 57

Great case Glenn! I have to add, that if you are interested in having
your patient see the procedure live, you can get one of those video
glasses ! (Olympus makes a really nice one) hook them up to your camera
(digital or video) and then the patient can watch the procedure being
done (better than a monitor!) or a movie (I have mine connected to cable
too!) Works great with little children  (Thanks to Mickey Mouse and
Family!)


From: gary
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2001 18 48

Glen,

On these cervical abfraction lesions, what resin works best? Since the etiology of these
lesions has to do  with the concentration of stresses at the cervical corners, is there a
resin that "flexes" so it can withstand these forces or is an occlusal splint necessary?
Thanks for you input and nice pics!

Gary