Dentists across the United States are purchasing dental laser equipment to help add to their range of services. Many encounter them at trade shows or in videos like this one of Dr. Chad Duplantis. Understanding what technologies doctors like Dr. Duplantis use is key to adding laser equipment to your own practice, as it can help deepen your understanding of why might be available.

Before you start searching, it might be helpful to understand the characteristics that will narrow your search. How do you begin to create a shortlist of lasers to add to your practice? Consider these five facets as you build your list. 

1. Cost:

This is at the top of the list for a good reason. It matters extensively to your practice. Far too often, dentists put affordability fairly low on the list because it’s tough to balance the want to add service options for patients with the very real costs your practice might encounter upfront. You know that you’ll get a solid return on your investment eventually, so why should cost matter at the outset? It’s simple. 

You need financial flexibility to run your practice, and understanding the variables involved to make that happen is key to making your profit. Your CO2 laser should make it easier to do business, not become a financial liability for your practice. Keep an eye on those costs as you shortlist the right laser for your practice, and you’ll recover your investment far sooner than you imagined. For any laser purchase, ALWAYS ask about consumable costs. Most CO2 lasers do not have disposable parts making the operating expense much lower than other lasers.

*Note: Always calculate the cost and operating expenses when choosing equipment. Cost is the initial outlay, operating expenses are the ongoing expenses that you must pay every month. CO2 laser expense will be far less than their lower cost brothers (Diodes) over time when you factor in expenses.

2. Versatility: 

You’ll want to factor this in fairly early because there are a variety of different lasers on the market today, and you’ll want to define your needs fairly early. For example, if you’re looking for a dental soft tissue laser, you need to know the models you’re considering can handle the procedures you deem most important to your patients and will it be more efficient than your current technique.

Many of today’s models offer you a variety of added procedures you can handle in your office including frenectomies, gingival troughing for crown impressions, abscess incisions, and biopsies. Understand what your plans are so you know how much versatility that particular model can offer your practice. 

3. Power:

Lasers really begin distinguishing themselves with the available power. The more powerful the laser, the better your cuts will be and the more options you can offer your patients. You may want to consider more than peak power at this point, though. Some lasers offer pulsing power which can mean less pain and faster recovery times for patients. Those lasers at the lower end of the power spectrum may offer you some options for your practice, but they may not be able to handle everything you hope to do. 

4. Wavelength:

Not only does power differ among today’s dental lasers, but so too does wavelength. Most diode lasers come in either 810 nm wavelengths or 980 nm wavelengths. Both offer patients a number of benefits, and you can select lasers that operate at more than one wavelength. Nd:YAg lasers run at a wavelength of 1064nm and are most commonly used for periodontal procedures. Erbium and CO2 lasers operate in the 2940 nm and 10,600 nm wavelengths respectively. These higher wavelength lasers are much more efficient due to better absorption.

As you select the right option to meet your needs, understand what you hope to do. Some wavelengths such as CO2, mean minimal collateral damage to soft tissue, which can mean a more predictable recovery, depending on the procedure. Know what you want as you shop.

5. Support:

The last thing you want to do is invest in a piece of equipment like a dental soft tissue laser, then struggle with it to make it worth your time and change the way you treat patients. Look for a laser from a company that provides the help, training, and mentorship you need to save yourself the frustration and time so often involved in introducing new procedures to your practice. 

Many laser options are available today that really are simple to use, and many companies offer added training and help to make sure they’re implemented in your practice as simple as possible. Equipment like this is a significant investment in your practice. Make sure it’s backed by excellent support at every turn so you get the help you need as soon as you get your equipment. 

See the Diamond Dental Difference for Yourself

At Diamond Dental Supply, we not only offer DEKA CO2 lasers that will change your practice completely, but we also offer the best education and mentorship in the business. From start to finish, we’ll work with you to ensure the equipment is easy to use and implement in your practice. We’ll pair you with someone who is already using dental laser equipment in their own practice to play a role in the development of this side of your practice. 

For us, it’s not just about providing you with the leading technology in the industry. Instead, it’s about making it truly useful to your patients and your practice, elevating your standard of care. To learn more about our DEKA CO2 lasers or the Diamond Dental Education and Mentorship program, please contact us today.