Here is something I havent seen Mark or anyone else do and I feel like there arent many things that havent been done by these gurus.

I had a patient who vertically fractured the lower right first molar and then on the extraction I had a heck of a time getting the roots out.

Finally got it all but the sequestrum came up on the lingual and in addition there was a sharp bony fragment that was poking through the gingiva so I decided to try and smooth both out without anestethetic.

Placed topical that was it and then used the laser to remove the sequestrum (it actually flew out of there and was maybe the only sore thing) and I smoothed off the bone as well as sterilizing it.

Settings were 30 Hz and 30 mj with lots of water and air in the beginning and afterwards ( a minute or so to get him used to it) I bumped it up to 30 Hz and 70 mj and the patient didnt feel anything at all.

I really was surprised at how nice the loose part flew out, and how easy it was to smooth down the bony fragment………

Mark did I beat you to the punch?

GRIN (probably not) .

I was so tempted to put anesthetic in but now feel impressed that I did it without. Gosh sometimes its hard to let go of the feeling that you have to have anesthetic.

Glenn

HI Allen………gosh I feel bad for you. I can totally feel your frustration.

I havent had a real problem with my Continuum laser since my foot pedal started acting up (the connection was all frayed) around 6 months ago. I have replaced tips, the foot pedal and filter packs ( as required) and other than that I had one of the fiber holding stands (the fishing pole device) go on me around 2 months ago.

Continuum has been very good to me at replacing things and for limited costs but I know that these companies must also make money. Where is the line?

I have heard that Biolase has had past problems with their fiber. They have had alot of people blowing them. I have not heard of many problems with the ConBio fibers and also I dont worry about all those silly things you mentioned (changing tips with gloves etc…….) Dentistry is hard enough without all those little details to watch on EVERY patient.

Other users from Biolase had problems with their fibers when the Millenium 2 first came out and I thought that many of the issues had been ironed out and resolved but apparently not in all cases.

I have told you and others that I felt that Biolase has marketed themselves fantastically but that the best stable product was Continuums machine in my opinion.

I have taken some grief for my comments but I still stand behind my statements.

I have had very little problem at all with my unit. I also think that Continuum has a great unit but needs to be a little more glitzy in their promotion of their lasers.

I like the fact that I can calibrate my fiber and find out how it is doing on a regular basis and my fiber has lasted a LONG time by Biolase standards.

I dont move my unit much but still move it a little and am a little tough on the fiber but still it has lasted a LONG time. Biolase users have alot of restrictions in order to make their fiber last (minimize movement, no dust, no this and that) and yet some people still blow them.

I know what you mean about rescheduling patients and how frustrating that can be and that patients who have had the laser wont go back to the needle and drill will they.

I have never heard of the trunk fiber in Continuum going but remember that Hoya is a fiberoptic company and it is tough to make the fiber stand up with
all that energy flowing through it and that is why Opus and others have gone with a hollow tube waveguide.

I agree with the profit issue but the laser does bring in a ton of patients.

Allen as an aside I am presently trying to change the way and method in which I practice by increasing my fees , differentiating myself from others through the lasers and scopes, improving the service in my office and
eventually perhaps changing locations in a few years.

I too am 41 like you and want to start making some great money instead of good money for my retirement and my kids college tuition when they start in
10 years or so it is going to be very very expensive.

I think that Dentistry is fun but we all want to be paid well for it too. This has been a hard thing for me to come to grips with especially in Canada where money is almost a taboo topic to talk about.

There seemingly are alot of hidden costs especially with Biolase for their unit and it does seem to need more maintenance than mine. The sapphire tips are
expensive and if they only last a month that isnt very good.

Perhaps we both need to keep track of the laser maintenance expenses, the number of procedures and then add some profit and charge the patients an
added laser usage fee so as to make some money and cover the expenses.

What do you think, and Bob Gregg should have some ideas on this issue right!!

In closing I would send a nice letter to Keith Bateman and Biolase head office, telling him of your experiences and telling him of your frustrations. Heck mention that you talked to me and that I hadnt had any fibers blow in over three years and have very little maintenance and that you feel that a 45000 dollar machine should be more dependable. What would you say if your Lexus had three engines blow in 1.5 years?

Lets see what they say then………..I dont blame you for your frustration. Let me know if I can be of any help.

Keep your chin up buddy!!!!

Glenn

Hey guys, welcome back Glenn.
First of all, I have to chime in here in defense of Biolase. I only blew ONE fiber, when I was VERY inexperienced when I FIRST got my laser. Other than that, I have not (knock on wood), had ANY problem since. I use my laser for EVERYTHING, I repeat, EVERYTHING possible, every day all day long 4 days a week! We take pride in caring for our machine, and making sure we follow all protocol. When I lectured this weekend at the WCLI, I did a small section on laser maintenece. Boy did it go over well. If I use my laser as much as I do, and not have a problem, why are others having them I asked? SO, I show them what I am doing, and hope that it helps them not have these problems! Al, call Keith, let him know what you are experiencing. He will help I am sure. I know that Biolase stands behind their products, period. They have proven it over and over by the many dentists I have talked to over the last year. Call them!!!!! (Biolase) I can’t say that enough. Glenn, remember, Continuum is a great product as well. Even though I am a Biolase user, I support ALL lasers, and laser users. What works in your hands, Bob’s hands, my hands, Stu’s hands is what we all personally like to use. You might use a #2round bur, I like spoon excavators. Let’s not get into who’s product is better, or worse. Let’s just support one another here, as we have in the past in this forum. Glenn, I tell many about you, and what you are doing with your Continuum and your scopes. I am proud to be your collegue. Let’s work to further laser dentistry/microdentistry period, and help eachother through our frustrations. I am glad you gave great advice to Al to call Keith. Thank you. I hope to see you soon! To all, keep on doing great dentistry with our GREAT tools!
Sincerely,
Mark