Sirona supports modern laser dentistry

The development of the SIROLaser Blue with a short wavelength expands the applications of the laser in dentistry. To assist in establishing the advantageous laser technology, Sirona supports familiarization with laser dentistry and the exchange of information within the international community in the "Sirona Laser Days".

Due to its coagulating effect, the laser is an instrument suitable for making bloodless incisions. Simultaneously, the laser has a very limited impact on surrounding tissue. The new blue laser technology once again improves results, especially in minimally invasive surgery, for example for exposing implants. This was the key message at the second Sirona Laser Days that were held from October 8 to 10 in the northern Italian city of Brescia. In the beautiful setting of the Villa Fenaroli, 28 experienced laser users and leading researchers in laser dentistry from 13 countries came together to discuss their experience and the state of research. "The right instruments are crucial for the success of dental treatment. Dental lasers provide an easy method of giving dentists and their patients even greater comfort and more treatment options. Sirona therefore set itself the task of increasing the popularity of lasers in dentistry. The SIROLaser Blue and Sirona Laser Days are the appropriate means for accomplishing this," says Jan Siefert, head of the Instruments division at Sirona.

In his keynote address, Prof. Dr. Giovanni Olivi from Rome – joint sponsor of the event with Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Iaria from Brescia – explained the many different applications made possible by lasers. The pulsed light of lasers makes it possible to reduce germs and bacteria in regions of root canals where a rinsing solution could not penetrate without the photoacoustic signals that are generated.

Blue lasers have impressive cutting performance

A major focus at the conference was the latest scientific data from Prof. Dr. Andreas Braun on blue laser technology. His research at the University of Marburg made a major contribution to the development of this technology. The SIROLaser Blue is especially useful in surgery because of its excellent cutting performance. The blue laser beam is absorbed in tissue many times better than infrared laser light. In surgical procedures, blue laser light does not penetrate as deeply into tissue and is scattered less because it has a shorter wavelength. "Due to the low penetration depth, the risk of unintentional injuries in deeper layers is reduced drastically and the beam can be applied more precisely. At the same time, the thermal input to surrounding tissue from scattering of the laser light is reduced," explains Prof. Braun.

Soft tissue lasers are easy to operate and allow dentists to offer patients virtually pain-free treatment. The need for local anesthetic can thus be reduced or even completely eliminated. Gentle surgery, which often does not require postoperative stitches, reduces wound pain and scar formation. Postoperative bleeding and swelling are also avoided.

Three wavelengths ensure a broad range of treatments

While the blue laser light is used especially in soft tissue surgery because of better absorption properties, the SIROLaser Blue has two other wavelengths to cover the entire treatment range of diode lasers. It can thus be used with the infrared laser light with a wavelength of 970 nm for classic indications in bacterial reduction in endodontics and periodontology. The third wavelength of the SIROLaser Blue is suitable for a number of modern laser dentistry applications. With a wavelength of 660 nm and a low output of up to 100 mW, it enables low-level laser treatment for desensitization, accelerating wound healing, and counteracting inflammation.

A special highlight of the event was the live treatment that was transmitted from Prof. Iaria's clinic to Villa Fenaroli and as a live stream via the internet to the whole world. For many users, it was fascinating to experience how he used the SIROLaser Blue, for example to treat oral fibromas, perform a labial frenectomy, and pass on many tips and tricks from his many years of experience.

The conclusion of the event: Through the use of lasers and in particular the SIROLaser Blue, dentists opt for an innovative, groundbreaking treatment method that will expand their range of treatment, optimize treatment workflows, and thus significantly increase patient comfort.