Clinical
Case Presentation:
The Application of the Waterlase Laser in
Implant Placement.
The Waterlase YSGG is one of the most versatile instruments a dentist can own. Dr. Jack Rosenberg and his colleague Dr. Steven Spitz, who have been using the Waterlase for only a matter of months, have already recognized some of the fantastic utility of the Waterlase YSGG.
Inspired by the brilliant work of one of the
world's most innovative oral surgeons Dr.
Norberto Berna, MD, DDS (Rome, Italy), Drs.
Rosenberg and Spitz designed a system wherein
they could sculpt the soft tissue, create
the pilot hole, and place the implant in
a single visit.
Their patent-pending system is featured in the Clinical Innovations case below.
 |
Dr. Jack Rosenberg maintains a busy private practice in Massachusetts. He is also an instructor at Tufts University School of Dentistry. He has lectured to members of the World Clinical Laser Institute at their annual symposium, as well as numerous regional courses and symposiums. |
 |
Dr. Steven Spitz founded Smileboston, a comprehensive dental clinic serving the needs of New England. Dr. Spitz is an instructor at Harvard University’s School of Dental Medicine, and has lectured around the country on implant dentistry, general dentistry, and lasers. |
Implants are a proven, effective method for replacing missing teeth, but patients often hesitate to undergo the procedure, which traditionally calls for traumatic flap surgery, and considerable post-operative discomfort and healing time for the patient.
Because of the Waterlase’s unique ability to perform multiple procedures across a wide range of clinical applications, Dr. Rosenberg and Dr. Spitz recognized they could utilize the Waterlase’s versatility to their advantage. They then designed a system to place implants using a patent-pending surgical template which allowed them to take full advantage of the Waterlase’s benefits: eliminate flap surgery, sutures, bleeding, cut bone with minimal trauma as compared to traditional instruments, and remove most, if not all of the usual post-op discomfort.
 |
Fig. 1. Pre-op view.
Tooth #31 was missing and the treatment plan called for an implant to restore the tooth. |
| |
 |
Fig 2.
The edentalous site is visible in the panoramic x-ray, as shown. |
| |
 |
Fig 3.
Dr. Rosenberg and Dr. Spitz’ patent-pending surgical guide in place. The YSGG laser handpiece is then placed on the guide and assists in guiding the clinician as he/she creates the pilot hole for the implant. |
| |
 |
Fig 4.
The Waterlase’s handpiece, which resembles a conventional high-speed handpiece in order to simplify the learning curve, can resect, contour, or shave osseous tissue. In the image above, the Waterlase is creating the pilot hole using the patent-pending surgical guide. |
| |
 |
Fig. 5.
The patent-pending implant guide, an external view. |
| |
 |
Fig. 6.
The implant guide, as seen in a digital radiograph. |
| |
 |
Fig. 7.
Placing the implant using the patent-pending guide. |
| |
 |
Fig. 8.
The implant is placed, as shown in this digital radiograph. |
| |
 |
Fig. 9.
Immediately post-op, the healing cap is in place and ready for the final restoration. This entire procedure was completed in one 40-minute appointment. |
| |
 |
Fig. 10.
Four days post-op. The implant is still adhering to the osseous tissue, and the tissue appears healthy and vital. |
To learn more about these types of innovative applications made possible by the Waterlase, be sure to sign up for a World Clinical Laser Institute symposium, or contact BIOLASE directly at 888-424-6527, or online by clicking here.
Some of the clinical images, claims, descriptions, and steps listed here represent the judgment and decisions made by the clinician(s) who conducted this procedure. BIOLASE, its employees, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration do not necessarily endorse or support any procedural claims listed hereon. Also, some of the components, steps, or items used to perform the procedure may be the intellectual property of the clincian(s) Actual results in a clinical setting may vary. If you have any questions, lease contact BIOLASE for more information.
|
