Aslihan Usumez: The Latest Clinical Research Results with LightWalker
Since the laser was introduced in dentistry, a continuing interest has been shown by clinicians and researchers. The Er:YAG laser is a promising technology with various applications in every field of Dentistry. Compared with other lasers, the Er:YAG laser can effectively alter enamel and dentin surfaces due to its 2.94 μm wavelength emission.
The LightWalker device is a very effective device which combines the advantages of two different wavelengths (2.940 and 1.064 μm). The LightWalker’s X-Runner handpiece further provides a higher precision of irradiation and depth of ablation with a reduced treatment time.
Er:YAG lasers are also very effective in ceramic restoration debonding. It is well known that the Er:YAG laser is highly absorbed in composite resins and is a safe and effective option, which is already used for the removal of composite resin fillings in the clinic. The transmission of the Er:YAG laser beam through ceramic restorations enables the debonding of ceramics from the tooth structure.
In the past 30 years, there has been growing interest in investigating the effects of Low Level Laser Therapy and its various clinical applications in different medical specialties, as either a single or a complementary therapy. According to the results of a recent clinical study, Low Level Laser irradiation with Nd:YAG laser (1064 μm) for pain reduction was very successful in patient treatments with myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome.
This presentation summarizes the different treatment options of the LightWalker device in the light of current literature and case presentations.