Medical lasers

Lasers are devices emitting coherent, monochromatic and high intensity light beam. By focusing a strong light beam on a very small surfce the generated heat can be used in surgical operations to vaporize the tissues with precise and clean cuts. By defocusing the light beam treatment area can be increased with different effects. All compact laser systems make use of solid state sources (semiconductor diodes). Current flow stimulates the emission of a single color beam (single frequency electromagnetic waveform).

For more details take a look at our introduction about laser and light.

Laser diodes were invented quite recently (first public demonstration was made on 1960). However, their characteristics made them invaluable for many applications; they are used, depending on wavelength and light intensity, in printers to transfer the image on paper, in telecommunications, in CD readers, in heavy industry to cut and weld metals and other materials together, to measure distance, and for many other applications. Also, they have been used for medical treatments for tens of years. Even if they do not completely replace traditional surgical instruments, nor they are mandatory for dental operations, they are an important innovation that is rightly included in technological updates that should be known by a dentist. They are designed to give the best to the patient and, when properly used, they can make the change.

Here are some of the advantages:

• Dramatically reduced anesthetics usage. Laser light cuts with much lower pain. This means that the therapy is less dangerous for pregnant patients, with specific allergies or with heart problems.
• Stress for patient is reduced.
• Less invasive. Instrument tip has a diameter between 0.2 and 0.4mm, and it can be moved in every direction. It can reach difficult positions and limit the intervention to the smallest possible area.
• Contamination risks are reduced. Concentrated light effect destroys bacteria on the emission point.
• Optical fiber can be used within cavities and thin spaces.
• Postoperative recovery and healing is faster.

To get a list of the applications of our laser diodes refer to the related page..

Every medical instrument has a potential risk and requirements that the operator should be aware of. There are different regulations in many countries (such as protection goggles or access restrictions to the room where they are used). The risk is connected to the high intensity light beam that is not diffused, and this means that – if the device is not properly used – it may damage the eyesight of the dentist or patient. If the security requirements listed in product manual are strictly followed, the advantages are more than the risks.

Dental laser is a surgical instrument and it should be used by qualified professionals only. Some of the available products are suitable for hygienists, physiotherapists and beauty centers, and even to be used by patients. However, they have a limited power output or they have to be used under supervision of a physician. Sometimes there is a different login screen for dentist and hygienist. It is always required to use protection glasses with specific filter for the used laser wavelength (or other eye protection types). For details about local requirements contact our commercial office

Optical fiber is a transmission media transparent to the light that passes through it and reflective on the outer surface. Light can travel along a flexible fiber for a certain distance without losing its power. Light is focused and then enters on one one side of the fiber, with diameter between 0.2 and 0.6mm, and it is emitted on the opposite side. For a good light coupling side surface must be clean, polished and perfectly planar. Particular care should be taken when the connection between the laser module and the fiber is disassembled (operation to be done only when replacing fibers or handpiece).

In the simplest words it is the light color. Frequency (number of waves per second) of light “oscillations” is perceived as a specific color by our eyes. Wavelength of an electromagnetic wave (such as light) is the distance covered by the light beam on each period (single oscillation). Visible light has a wavelength between 400nm (violet) and 700nm (red). Light absorbed by tissues is related to wavelength. More details on introduction page about light and laser. Laser surgical applications can be divided in two types: soft tissues (containing hemoglobin and melanin) and hard tissues (such as teeth). A wavelength of 808nm is generally used for soft tissues.

Light power declared by manufacturers is a measurement of the light output of the device. It is the amount of light transferred by the light on every second. A 1W pulse for 10 seconds transfers the same energy of a 10W pulse in 1 second. Different applications and result can be archived by choosing proper pulse length, beam focus, and treatment duration.

It depends on the applications. A laser with greater power can be used for more treatments. Highest power levels are required for Erbium laser, epilation, and aesthetics. Most surgical applications do not require more than 20W of power, depending on wavelength. Small surgery can be performed successfully also with 3W laser systems.

CE Regulations require periodic recalibration and functional tests on every two years. Laser modules, the core of the device, can last about 10.000 continuous working hours. Optical fibers can be replaced. In order to ensure optimal device lifespan, avoid accidental dropping, and ensure that the connection between laser module and fiber is not dirty or scratched. When changing between different fibers, protect the ends with supplied caps. We provide long term repair and maintenance service on all our products. In many situations we can provide spare parts even after 10 years from the purchase date.

It starts from some hundred Euros up to tenths of thousand. It depends on needs and applications where it has to be used. Our goal is to keep production costs as low and possible while supplying a quality crafted product developed, manufactured and tested in Italy. Contact us for a free quote. We’re available for assistance on the best product for your needs.