Forums › Erbium Lasers › General Erbium Discussion › Usage/Maintenance Tips for Erbiums
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SwpmnSpectatorFollowing are a few ideas I’ve gleaned from my own mistakes and from discussions with laser technicians:
1) Never allow the laser to contact a metal substrate. Do not allow the laser to contact amalgam or the margin of a PFM crown, e.g., don’t attempt to prepare a Class V restoration under a PFM crown with recurrent caries.
2) Be very careful when removing old bases underneath amalgam. Some old bases contain metals for radiopacity, if you see “sparking”, discontinue laser usage and pick up the high or slow speed handpiece.
3) Do not use “powdered gloves” with a laser. Cornstarch can damage the laser. I got rid of powdered gloves years ago because my staff could always tell where my hands hand been, ha ha ha!!!!
4) After you finish your procedure, make sure to purge all water out of the laser delivery system by switching the water button to “OFF”. Leaving water in the delivery system can cause problems.
5) Likewise, minimize the exposure of the laser system to sunlight. The sun will heat up the laser and may cause problems with any water which remains in the delivery system. I place this idea here because in my operatories, the wall which the patient faces is all glass.
My points may be obvious to experienced users but may be beneficial to others. Feel free to disagree with my comments and add your own ideas.
Al
Glenn van AsSpectatorHi Al: I have done lots of Class V restorations with success under PFM crowns and with magnification you can be very selective in only touching tooth structure and not the crown. If you touch metal the tip will degrade faster but if you stay on tooth it is fine.
Old base will spark especially CaOh and you can do it with a high speed or low speed.
Interesting idea about the powdered gloves……I havent noticed this, but could save myself alot of embarrassment without the powder.
I love the anatomical right and left gloves (Baxter) for restorative and could never go to the cheapies, they bother my hands.
With the Continuum laser I never purge, and only replace the filter once per year.
Biolase I think has more upkeep on their product. I have replace tips, filter packs and a foot pedal….thats it in almost 3 years of use.
My laser sits right next to the glass windows and never had a problem. I hear you must be careful moving the biolase but I never have had a problem with my continuum laser.
I think that some of your posts may be intended for certain lasers but I will keep them in mind for future reference.
Glenn
SwpmnSpectatorGlenn:
You’re right, my comments are directed toward a specific laser. Maintenance issues with your laser have been much less than my own experience. Could be that your laser is a better product. There is also the possibility that assembly of mine was “started on a Friday afternoon and finished on Monday morning”, ha ha ha!!!
I’m sure the scope helps for a prep under PFM. Asked the technician specifically about an old post of yours on moving the laser from carpet to linoleum. He assured me this is a non-issue.
Al
Glenn van AsSpectatorGreat post Allen…….its great to be seeing you many pioneering posts.
Appreciate your insights.
Glenn
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