Oh, one other comment. You CAN do these without anesthetic, and I would ascertain that you could still use the modified technique, because of the “anesthetic”effect of the laser, for a period of time after the defocusing, and intial enamel and dentin prepping. Let me know if you try it that way. I still have done all my preps without anesthetic, no one has felt anything so far. (I wish there was an icon for crossed fingers!)<—RON! Great job Al, Bravo.
Mark

For Continuum I always do the soft tissue without water and with air.

My asssistant will spray the odd drop of water on the tissue but honestly I dont think it matters , perhaps in non anesthetic stuff it will.

MY suggestion is next time you have two class vs……..

Do one with air only and no water for the SOFT TISSUE…….not the hard tissue.

For the other either do both or water only .

Its been my experience under the scope that water on tissue slows the cut down………so much for hydrokinetics.

Glenn

Al–

Way to go!  Nice post.

When Mark first made his post on crown preps with erbium I did NOT laugh!  I’ve been around waaay too long with lasers to know better.:biggrin:

Much of what is new and interesting with lasers is both counter-intuitive and against the main-stream thinking.  And even after a decade and a half of laser innovation, this is still an evolving technology. That is why those who refuse to consider the importance of clinical innovations and improvements developed by those doing it everyday–or refuse to continue to learn from others–risk becoming irrelevant themselves as they try to “poo”, “poo” and marginalize the New Guys and Gals and ideas.

I am not referring to anyone that I have seen post here.  Those I refer to are too good to be seen posting here!

Glenn–GET BACK IN BED!

I’m kidding.:biggrin:  Nice to see you feel good enough to share your comments and insights!

And as far as being accused of slander, I think that ‘s awefully strong language.  You have been honest, forthright and honorable in putting forth your concerns and perspectives, with some restraint, I think.  You have reflected the opinion of a large constituency that you have come to represent and who respect what you have to say (whether you like it or not).

Get well and get back to posting.  Just don’t ever let the “bastards” get you down.;)

Bob

Hey All,
Looks like everybody is making great progress. I’m jealous because I haven’t used my laser for a week and a half. Been remodeling 2 ops and adding a 5th. When done I’ll post before/after pictures- kinda like Christmas time in the office.

The other thing keeping me away from laser stuff was that my wife needed emergency surgery Monday for an infected urachial cyst that ruptured. Anybody that remembers their anatomy and can explain that one gets a prize. She’s improving but a little extra prayer wouldn’t hurt. We’re hoping to get her home Saturday. Meanwhile, my daughters and I are trying to tackle the turkey for tomorrow.Maybe a little prayer there would be a good idea too 😉

As far as the anesthesia goes, I had been using 5.25 90/90 defocused for 45-60 seconds. Non tapered tip. It might also be good in future posts if we include tapered vs. nontapered tip because of the power density difference.

Lots to be thankful for this year-wife getting better, 3 teen daughters, lasers, new ops, and of course, all you guys and your posts which have helped make me a better laser dentist.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Pat–

Mobile primary teeth should be a piece of cake…

Yes to soft tissue analgesia and low power to break the remaining attachments. Taper tips, a little air and Viola!

Re getting a bnad to conform to rootface concavtities, go to this site

http://www.tri-dent.biz

Simon MacDonald (a Local dentist) has developed a completely new matrix system. The soft wedge can be purchased separately. They are great to help with the problem you are describing.
Cheers