LightScalpel Laser User Symposium 2017 – Speaker Review

The LightScalpel Laser User Symposium brought together clinicians from different fields of dentistry and medicine. This event was a unique opportunity for the exchange of interdisciplinary ideas with the goal of developing much-needed standards, guidelines, and protocols for the Laser Frenectomy procedure, benefiting patients of all ages. Among other topics of the Symposium were the latest and most popular soft-tissue LightScalpel surgeries for dental specialties ranging from pediatrics to implant dentistry.

The LightScalpel Laser User Symposium was organized jointly by LightScalpel and GLOH as “The Introduction to 10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Dentistry,” and was held during the Academy of Laser Dentistry 2017 Annual Meeting, in the Agave room II/III, in Tucson, AZ, April 7-8, 2017.

Thank you to all of the presenters and the attendees!

Below are the speakers listed in order of their presentation time. Learn more about the speakers and see a sneak preview of their presentation.

Click on a speaker below to see a preview:

• Paula Fabbie, RDH, BSc, COM – 10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Frenectomy and My OMT Practice (Friday & Saturday, 11:00am – 11:30am)
• Annette Skowronski, DDS – 10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Frenectomy in my Dental Practice (Friday, 11:30am – 12:00pm)
• Cara Riek, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, IBCLC – Incorporating the 10,600 nm CO₂ Laser into Breastfeeding Medicine: A Multidisciplinary Approach (Friday, 12:00pm – 12:30pm)
• Martin Kaplan, DMD – 10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Frenectomy in my Pediatric Dentistry Practice (Friday, 12:30pm – 1:00pm)
• Ben Sutter, DMD – 10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Dentistry in my Dental Practice (Friday, 2:00pm – 2:30pm)
• Robert Levine, DDS – 10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Dentistry in Academic Environment (Friday, 2:30pm – 3:00pm)
• Richard Winter, DDS – Incorporating 10,600 nm CO₂ Laser in an Advanced Reconstructive Dental Practice (Friday, 3:00pm – 3:30pm)
• Richard Baxter, DMD, MS – 10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Case Studies at My Pediatric Dentistry Practice (Friday, 3:30pm – 4:00pm)
• Ned Nix, DDS, MA – 10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Frenectomy in My Oral Surgery Practice (Saturday, 11:30am – 12:00pm)
• Rajeev Agarwal, MD – 10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Frenectomy in my Pediatrics Practice (Saturday, 12:00pm – 12:30pm)
• Rene Moore, IBCLC – 10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Frenectomy Outcomes from a Lactation Consultant Perspective (Saturday, 2:00pm – 2:30pm)
• Karen Wuertz, DDS – 10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Frenectomy Outcomes vs. Alternative Lasers (Saturday, 2:30pm – 3:00pm)
• Claudia C. Cotca, DDS, MPH – WIDLS C³ Frenectomy & Microscopy Custom Protocols Utilizing 10,600 nm CO₂ Laser (Saturday, 3:00pm – 3:30pm)
• Peter Vitruk, PhD, MInstP – 10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Frenectomy Settings (Saturday, 3:30pm – 4:00pm)
• Anna (Anya) Glazkova, PhD – 10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Surgical Wound Healing: A Literature Review (Saturday, 4:00pm – 4:30pm)

Thank you to everyone that attended!

Paula Fabbie, RDH, BSc, COM

10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Frenectomy and My OMT Practice

Don’t miss this great two-part presentation by Paula Fabbie, RDH, BSc, COM, “10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Frenectomy and My OMT Practice” on Friday & Saturday, April 7th & 8th, from 11:00am to 11:30am, in Agave II/III.

Presentation Abstract

A short lingual frenum is a common finding in patients with sleep-disordered breathing and orofacial myofunctional disorders. This presentation will provide insight into cases referred for myofunctional therapy, where revision of lip and tongue tie was utilized to assist in the restoration of functional breathing, swallowing and oral rest postures. Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) combined with CO₂ laser revision produces excellent results that compliment nasal breathing, jaw stability, comprehensive airway orthodontia, prosthetic dentistry, orthognathic surgery, MAD and CPAP compliance. This presentation will also cover how to assess ankyloglossia and the ideal timing of revision and pre- and post-operative exercise protocol.

Annette Skowronski, DDS

10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Frenectomy in my Dental Practice

Don’t miss this great talk by Annette Skowronski, DDS, “10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Frenectomy in my Dental Practice” on Friday, April 7th, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm, in Agave II/III.

Presentation Abstract

10,600 nm CO₂ Laser is an amazing adjunct to a general dental practice. From the versatility of use for any soft tissue ablation for gingival troughing or biopsies to the delicate tissues of a newborn infant, it is true laser energy with predictable results.

Cara Riek, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, IBCLC

Incorporating the 10,600 nm CO₂ Laser into Breastfeeding Medicine: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Don’t miss this great talk by Cara Riek, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, IBCLC, “Incorporating the 10,600 nm CO₂ Laser into Breastfeeding Medicine: A Multidisciplinary Approach” on Friday, April 7th, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm, in Agave II/III.

Presentation Abstract

In this talk, we discuss our assessment process and methods for diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare of tongue-tied patients. Case studies are presented to give the audience a perspective on pre-procedure symptoms and post-procedure results.

Martin Kaplan, DMD

10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Frenectomy in my Pediatric Dentistry Practice

Don’t miss this great talk by Martin Kaplan, DMD, “10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Frenectomy in my Pediatric Dentistry Practice” on Friday, April 7th, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm, in Agave II/III.

Presentation Abstract

This presentation will report how laser frenum intervention can help improve the quality of life for an array of different patients with significant medical conditions. It will also demonstrate some of the long term effects on the dental and oral health of patients who were misdiagnosed with the restrictive frenum and how they required correction at a later age. Understanding the laser-tissue interaction is critical to efficient and expedient treatment. Learn the predictability of high speed, char free and blood free soft tissue removal that can be obtained with properly set pulse parameters of the SuperPulse 10,600 nm CO₂ laser.

Ben Sutter, DMD

10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Dentistry in my Dental Practice

Don’t miss this great talk by Ben Sutter, DMD, “10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Dentistry in my Dental Practice” on Friday, April 7th, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm, in Agave II/III.

Presentation Abstract

The mouth can be a host reservoir for the spirochetes, that are easily identifiable with phase-contrast microscopy in a chairside analysis of biofilm. Currently, there is little understanding of differences in the laser bactericidal efficacy performed by lasers of different wavelengths. The objectives of this presentation are to identify the efficacy of laser bacterial decontamination and compare it to the clinical case study results performed with the 10,600 nm CO₂ dental laser. Reduction of the periodontal pathogen treponemas that co-infect with spirochetes (e.g. Borrelia burgdorferi) in Alzheimer’s Disease patients could have widespread public health benefits.

See Dr. Sutter use his LightScalpel to fight spirochete bacteria

Dr. Ben A. Sutter, DMD uses Phase Contrast Microscopy and LightScalpel CO₂ Laser to diagnose and eradicate an oral spirochete infection in the mouth. Click here to see the videos.

Robert Levine, DDS

10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Dentistry in Academic Environment

Don’t miss this great talk by Robert Levine, DDS, “10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Dentistry in Academic Environment” on Friday, April 7th, from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm, in Agave II/III.

Presentation Abstract

Special needs dentistry at ASDOH encompasses a significant portion of laser dentistry provided for ASDOH patients. By no means the only area that we work in. The general population gets as much attention with the support of laser therapy as any patient dynamic at ASDOH, ranging from infants to geriatric population.

Richard Winter, DDS

Incorporating 10,600 nm CO₂ Laser in an Advanced Reconstructive Dental Practice

Don’t miss this great talk by Richard Winter, DDS, “Incorporating 10,600 nm CO₂ Laser in an Advanced Reconstructive Dental Practice” on Friday, April 7th, from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm, in Agave II/III.

Presentation Abstract

This presentation highlights how the 10,600 nm CO₂ laser has become an essential tool in my general dental practice. A technique I have developed called the MMCL or modified minimal crown lengthening procedure has allowed me to retain patients, preserve bone for future implant procedures without the risks associated with “closed flap” unpredictable crown lengthening.

Richard Baxter, DMD, MS

10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Case Studies at My Pediatric Dentistry Practice

Don’t miss this great talk by Richard Baxter, DMD, MS, “10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Case Studies at My Pediatric Dentistry Practice” on Friday, April 7th, from 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm, Agave rooms II/III.

Presentation Abstract

In this lecture we will be discussing the use of the 10,600 nm CO₂ laser at a pediatric dental practice. We will discuss examining the patient, nursing issues, speech issues, proper technique, and present several case studies.

Another opportunity to learn from Dr. Baxter

Dr. Baxter recently created an online 1.5 CE credits course at Dental Town titled, “Tongue and Lip Ties: Assessment, Diagnosis and Evidence for Treatment.”

Ned Nix, DDS, MS

10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Frenectomy in My Oral Surgery Practice

Don’t miss this great talk by Ned Nix, DDS, MS, “10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Frenectomy in My Oral Surgery Practice” on Saturday, April 8th, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm, in Agave II/III.

Presentation Abstract

The CO₂ laser can be an excellent instrument in the armamentarium of the surgeon performing frenectomy. The instrument can be modified to cut in many different fashions (continuous wave, pulse wave or SuperPulse wave), or the wattage can be adjusted to cut faster or slower. Increasing the wattage can cause heating of the peripheral tissues, so I recommend using the lowest effective wattage. This will make the procedure less traumatic and improve wound healing in the perioperative phase.

Rajeev Agarwal, MD

10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Frenectomy in my Pediatrics Practice

Don’t miss this great talk by Rajeev Agarwal, MD, “10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Frenectomy in my Pediatrics Practice” on Saturday, April 8th, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm, in Agave II/III.

Rene Moore, IBCLC

10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Frenectomy Outcomes from a Lactation Consultant Perspective

Don’t miss this great talk by Rene Moore, IBCLC, “10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Frenectomy Outcomes from a Lactation Consultant Perspective” on Saturday, April 8th, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm, in Agave II/III.

Presentation Abstract

Patient post-procedure results with different lasers will be discussed from the perspective of a Lactation Consultant. Current best practices for optimal outcomes and improving success rates will also be discussed, including a determination if frenectomy is in the best interest of the patient using what we know and don’t know.

To learn more about Rene Moore, IBCLC, and lactation consultant practice, please visit: www.FirstFoodForBaby.com

Karen Wuertz, DDS

10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Frenectomy Outcomes vs. Alternative Lasers

Don’t miss this great talk by Karen Wuertz, DDS, “10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Frenectomy Outcomes vs. Alternative Lasers” on Saturday, April 8th, from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm, in Agave II/III.

Presentation Abstract

A comprehensive review of hands-on clinical experiences with lasers of various wavelength lasers (diode, erbium, and CO₂) in the treatment of frenectomies will be shared along with observations of the laser-tissue interaction and healing. Discussed will be both pros and cons of the lasers in general and specialty practices.

Claudia C. Cotca, DDS, MPH

WIDLS C³ Frenectomy & Microscopy Custom Protocols Utilizing 10,600 nm CO₂ Laser

Don’t miss this great talk by by Claudia C. Cotca, DDS, MPH, “WIDLS C³ Frenectomy & Microscopy Custom Protocols Utilizing 10,600 nm CO₂ Laser” on Saturday April 8th, from 3:00pm to 3:30pm, in Agave II/III.

Presentation Abstract

A microscopic view of the impact of laser surgery in results-driven clinical protocol augmentation for oral frenum surgery.  Interdisciplinary diagnosis and treatment planning of oral muscle ties within facial smile driven soft tissue and smile aesthetic and functional rehabilitation.

Peter Vitruk, PhD, MInstP

10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Frenectomy Settings

Don’t miss this great talk by by Peter Vitruk, PhD, MInstP “10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Frenectomy Settings” on Saturday April 8th, from 3:30pm to 4:00pm, in Agave II/III.

Presentation Abstract

Laser-tissue interaction physics insight is discussed for the depth of ablation/coagulation laser fluence setting and its translation into Power, Spot Size, and Handspeed for 10,600 nm CO₂ surgical laser. The objective is to identify the wavelength-dependent and laser fluence dependent depth of laser ablation (both measured and is also derived from the soft tissue absorption spectra and soft tissue thermodynamic properties). The differences between cutting/coagulation depths are discussed between laser and non-laser soft tissue cutting devices are discussed.

Anya Glazkova, PhD

10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Surgical Wound Healing: A Literature Review

Don’t miss this great talk by Anya Glazkova, PhD, “10,600 nm CO₂ Laser Surgical Wound Healing: A Literature Review” on Saturday, April 8th, from 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm, in Agave II/III.

Presentation Abstract

A comprehensive review of published studies of post-operative healing and pain is presented. CO₂ laser-induced surgical wounds heal following the same four stages as conventional scalpel wounds, i.e. hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation (granulation and epithelialization) and maturation (remodeling). The reviewed body of literature suggests that the main difference is the prolonged initial healing time and reduced scarring after laser surgery. Decreased pain levels post laser surgery were also reported. Several studies reported lower levels of pain and discomfort following CO₂ laser surgery, compared with a scalpel. Although several possible theories were put forth to explain the analgesic effect of the CO₂ laser, the exact mechanism of this phenomenon is still unknown.