Safety is a crucial component of laser dentistry. A dental laser has improved dentistry and has made procedures quicker and more precise. These advantages for both the patient and the orthodontist should be taken seriously throughout a procedure and safety measures should always be in place. As well as being certified to operate with a laser, the orthodontist should be familiar with all safety procedures and components on the laser. Having safety components could result in few laser accidents or careless injuries to the patient's mouth or gums.
In addition to having a safety plan while the dental laser is in use, there are also components on the laser itself called the engineering controls. The engineering controls, or safety components, are placed on the laser by the manufacturer to reduce some of the possible hazards that could be caused by the laser. There are a number of different components that include: password protected on switch, protective housing, remote safety and interlock jacks, emergency stop button, foot switch protector, a time-out that turns the machine off after a specified idle time, and software diagnostics installed in the machine.
In addition to build in safety components, there are also audible and visible safety signals. The visible warning is usually a colored light. Yellow means that the laser has been turned on and a red light to indicate that laser emissions are in use. Like the light, the safety components were carefully thought out and installed on the machine.
For example, the spectralasedental.com dental laser diode is operated with a foot switch so that the orthodontist can use both hands during a procedure. The foot switch has a protective cover so that the laser cannot be turned on accidentally if someone tripped, fell, or stepped on it. The password protection is a great safety measure. Only certified personnel can operate the laser, and they should be the only people to have the password to turn on the machine. The software diagnostics was carefully planned and implemented. The internal component will turn off the laser if there is anything wrong with it or if something is not attached properly such as the foot switch.
Being familiar and having the safety components on the dental laser diode are not enough for safe practice while the laser is in use. There should also be a safety plan for the assistants and the patients. Protective clothing and eyewear should be worn at all times when the laser is turned on. There can be skin, eye, and even fire hazards with a dental laser. Safety measures can reduce the amount of laser related injuries that can occur.
Bob Cobley is the President of Spectrum Lasers Inc. Spectrum manufactures and has marketed dental laser diode internationally since 1998. Approx 2000 GPs and 1200 orthodontists have purchased laser periodontal from him. For more information visit spectralasedental.com spectralasedental.com.
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