Hi guys…….i dont have the patience to do alot of amalgam removals unless the patient is firm on no anesthesia.

I do find that alot of my patients “feel” something during the process and sometimes it is a reasonable amount of discomfort but when I ask them I found.

80% rated the discomfort as 0-15/100
10% rated the discomfort as 15-50/100
10% were higher and these I often had to numb up.

I was not using the bathing technique Mark and others speak of.

Almost all patients receiving a laser restoration for the 2nd time will rate the discomfort as lower than the first time even if the restoration is larger.

Around 95% would have the laser again, and I do have patients who request anesthetic but the laser because they hate the sound and feel of the drill that much.

Just some food for thought……….for those lurking or thinking about why some patients feel it and others dont.

Glenn

Hi Ron–

Good thread.

One of my favorites for laser protective eyewear is:

Tom Barrows
President & Owner

Innovative Optics, Inc.                  
US Toll Free:  (800) 990-1455          
US Phone:     (763) 425-6689  
US FAX:          (763) 425-7789

6826 Hemlock Lane                    
Maple Grove, MN 55369                                  
U.S.A.      
 
Electronic mail           tom@innovativeoptics.com      
 
<a href="http://www.innovativeoptics.com/clip-in.htm

Can’t” target=”_blank”>http://www.innovativeoptics.com/clip-in.htm

Can’t forget about one of the industry standards: UVEX

http://www.bacou-dalloz.com/us/gosite/gosite.lasso?location=http://www.uvex.com/company.html

I have no &#36&#36 interestin these companies.

Bob

(Edited by Robert Gregg at 6:45 pm on Dec. 6, 2002)

Hello to All,
I discovered this site with the help of Mark Calonna while visiting his office for “training” which due to licensure only allowed observation.  While very invaluable (Thanks again to Mark), it was unnerving that this in the only clinical training that I could find.

I had expected as Bob was talking about some hands-on training at a university, a manufacturer’s clinic, or a for-profit group of educators.  They abound for other aspects of dentistry: esthetics, C & B, materials, etc.

I will, it seems, do pig jaws and as much reading that I can just to get comfortable with the modality and the feel for distances, pace (thank God for TIG welding school) and clinical judgement for application.  For that I will learn with my patients how much is enough or too much. I feel like I am starting my practice all over again with so much to work out: application, patient presentation, techniques, staff training, maintenance, supplies, etc.

This Forum discussion and photos have already been helpful as has the suggested reading from ADL.

This is nervous anticipation of delivery of the Waterlase and just wanted to say,” I’m in”. Hope the water is fine.

Hi everyone,
I had the incredible PLEASURE to meet Lee last week, as he spent a couple of days in my office. I have never met a more personable, professional man, dedicated to our profession. That is why I referred him to this site. He will do awesome things with the laser, in time. He reads, researches, just plain does his homework. He knew so much BEFORE he came to the office. I can’t wait to see what he does when he finally uses his laser. Now, that being said, I still agree with everyone else with education, and training. Dental Schools need this technology. It really needs to get into the didactical and clinical areas, and research as well. WE are doing the research right now, and that isn’t too fair. I just hope that those of us who are users will continue to teach each other, and share our knowlege here, and in other ways to improve and move this technology forward. That’s my 2 cents for now…I am sure I will have more to say at a later time as I need to get to work. Good day to everyone!
Mark
PS….Welcome Lee!!! You are already an asset to OUR education.

Lee,
Welcome to the board. Can’t wait til you get that laser going ,as I know how much more fun it has made dentistry for me.

Thanks to all for their participation- that’s what makes the board so worthwhile. I know you all have helped me a ton!

Todd,
I was wondering if you could give some background on MALD and the process in obtaining it. I know you need to have standard proficiency, laser 2 years, present cases, but what kind of timetable for the cases?After 2 years or as you go along?When does a mentor become involved? Any advice?
Thanks

Hey guys, Just one other thing to help reduce sensitivity with the Waterlase, Glenn, I am not sure with the Continuum unit, maybe you can help here. When I was in Phoenix, we were talking anesthesia with the laser, and I remembered to let everyone know that you can warm up the water in a waterbath before attaching to the unit for use. This makes it a bit more comfortable, especially for us in these colder climates. We turn our heat down a bit at night, so the standing distilled water cools down with the room. When we warm it, the patients definitely notice it when using it warm, that it’s more comfortable for them. It would be nice to have a inline water heater, BUT there is already so much in the lasers guts, that the waterbath seems to work real well. (And it’s free!). 😉 Just a tip that I hope helps those who use the Waterlase. Glenn, what type of water connection is in the laser you use?
Mark