Biolase Epic Hygiene Laser and Laser Bacteria Reduction
I’m not going to lie. When Biolase reached out to us about using their Epic Hygiene Laser and learning more about the technology, we were thrilled. This was a dream for us! I’ve been laser certified for years, and have used the laser on and off over my career as a dental hygienist. I even did my research poster on lasers and periodontal disease back when I was a 2nd year dental hygiene student years ago. Let’s just say the poster didn’t win anything since there wasn’t much to be found about lasers in dentistry, but now after the years, there has been such an improvement in how often they are used, how they work, and how seamlessly we as dental hygienists can integrate and utilize them every day and with every patient. Laser bacteria reduction is one of those functions that we can utilize as dental hygienists to increase health in most of our patients, to increase the standard of care.
Laser Bacteria Reduction (LBR) is so handy for us as RDHs as it takes only 5 minutes to complete, which we all know a hygiene appointment can be tight for time. It can be used on patients with localized to generalized gingivitis to help increase healing and decrease pocketing in these inflamed and infected areas. Along with home care, you’ll find better results with your patients that have inflammation.
A couple key points about LBR:
1. The Biolase Epic Hygiene Laser is the only hygiene-only device that has FDA clearance to perform this procedure. If you decide to start using this procedure, make sure you’re using the right unit, and that it has preset settings specific to the safe operation of Laser Bacterial Reduction, like Epic Hygiene does.
2. LBR can be used preprocedurally to help decrease aerosols compared to traditional ultrasonic methods, help prevent cross contamination of bacteria, and improve healing results in patients.
3. Each state or province has different laws when it comes to lasers, what can be performed, and what dental hygienists can do with lasers. Make sure you check with your state professional association and your practice act before using a laser to make sure you legally can!
If you’re interested in learning a bit more about lasers, what they can do, and how they can help your dental hygiene practice, definitely check out the new Biolase Hygiene Academy website for all the latest information. Biolase has launched a Hygiene Academy to bring together a community of like-minded hygienists sharing tips and tricks! Come “Spill the Tea” and join me on the forums!