Forums Erbium Lasers General Erbium Discussion A Good Down Payment …

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  • #2824 Reply

    N8RV
    Spectator

    In my continuing saga of learning to use my lasers, I thought I’d share this with all of you who’ve helped me and encouraged me to hang in there … Glenn, Bob, Ron, David … and yes, even Danny …

    My last patient today was a 5-year-old boy with a DO on #L. No big deal, right? His first cavity. Until I got my laser, I’d have gotten him numb and drilled away and he probably would’ve done fine. He’s a good kid.

    However, instead, I had him put on the way-cool goggles and he became the FIRST PERSON IN HIS FAMILY to have a “laser filling.” (I’ve always hated that term!)

    We did the restoration, he didn’t feel anything, he still doesn’t know what it means to be “numb”, and the grin on his face when he realized that he was the first in his family to have ANYTHING was priceless!

    Was it &#3650K priceless? I dunno. But you add up enough of those moments and, even if the laser never pays for itself in reality, it will in smiles. I get to go home relaxed and happy instead of frustrated. What’s that worth?

    We’re still working out some bugs, and I’m sure I’ll still have some stinkers, but I wanted to share that moment with my friends. Thanks, all.

    — Don

    #6386 Reply

    drkdds
    Spectator

    I’m having deja vu….didn’t I just read this post on DT?!?!?

    Nice to see you, Tomcat….errr N8RV.

    When it all comes together, it really is exciting, huh?

    I have started moving the enamel settings up a bit lately. I was using 10/275, but it just took sooooo looong to cut a prep in enamel. I’ll start at 20/300 and if/when the patient flinches I move down to 10/150 in dentin. Seems to get me further into the prep quicker. If the patient is really sensitive or apprehensive I’ll just bite the bullet and take more time @ 10/275. Not that you asked, I just thought I’d fill you in on my current settings as I find out what works for me. Hope it helps.:)

    #6389 Reply

    N8RV
    Spectator

    Hey, Doug —

    Yeah, it’s a repeat of what I posted on DT. Since so many of us are contributors on both forums (fora?), but some have escaped the gravitational pull of DT, I thought I’d repost a version of it for my LDF friends. Sorry for the redundancy.

    — Don

    #6388 Reply

    Kenneth Luk
    Spectator

    Hi Don,
    Treating kids is what I hate doing. With an Erbium, I’m sure it can be so much relaxing and less sweating.
    Wish I can have one soon!
    Ken

    #6387 Reply

    Don – Great post! I smiled the whole time reading it. I even shared it with my wife. I, like Ken, don’t treat a lot of kids (I have a Pedodontist next door to me). But when I do, I am so thankful to have a laser to use. I haven’t given a kid a shot in 2 years!

    And to answer your question, I think that going home more relaxed is worth a ton. It is something I’d even pay for (I guess that’s why I did!).

    Kelly

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