Why I Use... DEKA CO2 Lasers
Unique pulsing technology allows the laser beam to operate at a higher peak power for improved precision, better coagulation, and a cleaner working environment
Find out why Scott Parker, DDS, believes that DEKA CO2 Lasers:
• Are faster, easier to use, and offer greater efficiency than previous CO2 laser generations
• Offer patients a modern solution to their dental challenges while enhancing the practice image
Scott Parker, DDS
Dr. Parker graduated from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in 1996. Since then, he has lectured to dentists across the country and on a global scale to advocate for increased standards in esthetic and restorative procedures, minimally invasive techniques, and dental technology. Retiring from clinical practice in 2011, he has committed his time to product development and education. He most recently serves as Vice President of Clinical Affairs for Diamond Dental Supply, where he supports hands-on, in-office clinical training using lasers. His professional affiliations have included the ADA, American Society for Dental Aesthetics (Accredited), the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Academy of Laser Dentistry. He enjoys spending time with his family and riding his bicycle in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
As a dental educator, I have traversed the country teaching practices how to implement lasers into their workflow, and in doing so, it has become very apparent to me that most clinicians do not have a clear understanding of how lasers function. Because of this, many end up purchasing without realizing there may be a better solution available. In my own experience, it wasn't until I purchased my first CO2 laser that I finally realized what I was missing. It was significantly faster, easier to use, and yielded much better results than my diode.
Times have certainly changed since continuous-wave CO2 lasers were first introduced to the dental world. While this early generation offered little to no pulsing of the laser beam—which posed a greater risk for tissue charring—manufacturers have since addressed this challenge. One example of this evolution is DEKA Lasers. Part of El.En. Group, one of the largest and most experienced industrial and medical laser companies in the world, DEKA developed a new pulsing technology that allows the CO2 laser beam to be pulsed much faster than previous generations, as well as a beam shape that accommodates a width as narrow as 125 μm. This permits clinicians to cut soft tissue very efficiently without the tissue damage and necrosis that is common with slower-pulsed, lower-powered CO2 lasers.
Reaping the Benefits
Distributed by Diamond Dental Supply, DEKA offers two CO2 lasers that are FDA-approved for all intraoral soft-tissue procedures: the 25-W US20-D laser is appropriate for most general dental offices looking to add soft-tissue procedures to their roster of services; and more recently, the 40-W SmartXide RF Excited laser that has generated interest with surgical practices and clinicians interested in offering an even broader range of procedures, including airway management, to their patients.
Beyond the ability to offer new procedures, adding a DEKA CO2 laser to my armamentarium has provided additional benefits that don’t fit squarely into an ROI spreadsheet. While I can’t bill for an improved workflow and results, troughing with a laser instead of packing cord or using it to balance the gumline in esthetic cases has been invaluable.
It may seem counterintuitive, but during difficult times, a laser is one of the first and most important pieces of equipment that I would add to my practice.