SIROLaser

Diode Laser

The compact SIROLaser can be used for endodontics, periodontology, or oral surgery.

Sirona recently introduced SIROLaser, a compact diode laser that operates at a wavelength of 980 nm (nanometers) and has power output that varies from 0.5 watts to 7 watts.

The manufacturer says that this laser is more compact than comparable diode lasers but provides the best possible performance for all appropriate applications, including endodontics, periodontology, and oral surgery.

Size and Weight
The SIROLaser weighs only 1 pound and is compact in size (2.1 x 3.4 x 7.5 inches). The small size of this laser, according to Sirona, means that it can be placed directly on the dentist’s element and easily integrated into the treatment workflow.
When the 6 dentists invited to evaluate the SIROLaser were asked to rate its size and weight, 100% rated the laser as excellent. One evaluator commented that the laser has a “wonderful footprint.” Another evaluator said the size “was my first attraction.”

Pre-Set Programs
According to the manufacturer, the SIROLaser’s control panel is easy to use. The most frequently used clinical applications are pre-set and can be activated using either the handpiece finger switch or foot control.
The evaluators were asked to rate the scope of the laser’s pre-set programs, and all 6 rated it as excellent. One evaluator said that the pre-set programs are “very convenient to use” and another said that they “made it easy to incorporate.”

Tissue Cutting
Sirona says that some of the advantages of using the SIROLaser in surgery include precise tissue removal, minimum damage to the surrounding tissue, minimal bleeding to ensure a clear operating site, and minimal scar formation. The laser can be used for gingiva forming and the coagulation of granular tissue. In addition, SIROLaser can be used to uncover hidden implants and teeth, treat labial and lingual frena and fibromas, and for the coagulation of aphthae and denture sores.
When the evaluators were asked to rate the SIROLaser on its ability to cut tissue with minimal damage, 4 rated it as excellent and 2 rated it as very good. One evaluator said that once he became familiar with the technique, the laser is “very smooth.” Another evaluator said that the SIROLaser is better than another similar product he has used in the past. A third evaluator, who rated the product very good, went on to say that the handpiece could be refined “to enable the angulation we need in dentistry.”

Portability
The compact size of the SIROLaser makes it particularly portable. When the evaluators were asked to rate the laser on its portability, 3 rated it as excellent, 2 rated it as very good, and 1 rated it as good. For the evaluator who gave portability a good rating, his concern is about the disconnection process. He said it is “somewhat of a hassle disconnecting the wires and setting up. [It] would be nice to have a docking station.” A second evaluator also commented on the wires, saying that the laser is “easy to move, although the fibers and cords are somewhat inconvenient and awkward.” However, a third evaluator said that the unit “can be used in both hygiene and dental rooms. [It is] so easy to move and not worry about it.”

Practice Integration
According to the manufacturer, the size, portability, and ease of use of the SIROLaser make it easy to integrate into a dental practice. The evaluators agreed. Four evaluators rated practice integration as excellent and 2 rated it as very good. One evaluator said that integration was “seamless” and another said that “service and support is world class and excellent.”

Overall Satisfaction
Of the 6 dentists who evaluated the SIROLaser, 5 have been using it for 1 to 3 years and 1 has been using it for less than 6 months. When asked if they would recommend the laser to their dental colleagues, 5 said definitely and 1 said probably. The same response was received when the evaluators were asked if they would purchase a SIROLaser in the future.
When the evaluators were asked to give their overall satisfaction rating for the SIROLaser, 4 rated it as excellent and 2 rated it as very good. In commenting on the training he received from Sirona, 1 evaluator said, “The training course was thorough. The sales rep also came to my office to make sure I was comfortable with the laser.”