Forums Other Topics Off Topic Future of Erbium Dentistry

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  • #3139 Reply

    Anonymous
    Guest

    Hi all,

    In light of the changes at Hoya, I thought it might be interesting to start a discussion of where you all see laser dentistry going as far as Erbiums are concerned and how greatly you feel they will or will not saturate the dental market place.

    Do you feel they’ll fill a niche?

    What % of practices may become involved if more than niche?

    Or do you believe they will become standard of practice ?

    Erbiums only.

    Here’s my take-
    Niche- due to cost, training, and ability to do many of the same things with a handpiece faster.

    What say you?

    #8934 Reply

    Nick Luizzi
    Spectator

    I feel the use of the erbium laser in everyday practice will grow. First, it is starting to become consumer(patient) driven by means of the advertiseing efforts of both laser companies and dentists. The public thinks that we as dentists all pretty much do the same things. When they start asking why their dentist does not use a laser like it says in the ads, the market will be driven forward. I feel that lasik eye surgery have done alot to bring public awareness to lasers.There is a high consumer satisfaction with Lasik, why not the erbium when properly used? Also, the terms regarding lasers are starting to infiltrate the public market via advertising for hair removal, etc.
    However, I am very disappointed in the way that some of the laser companies are marketing their equipment to the dental profession. Especially with regard to the erbium laser and use of local anasthetics. I hear marketing claims that put sales on the same level as used car dealers. Some of the companies are makeing claims that they know are less than valid in this point. So dentists who have not done their homework with regard to hard tissue proceedures performed with the erbium and no anastethic are getting hoodwinked into buying an erbium laser.
    The the dentist doesn’t get what he thought he bought into, puts the laser in the cornor and his disappointing results will hurt laser dentistry. Ron, we have been pretty good at not stepping on the toes of companies who sell unrealistic claims to dentists, by not using their names. But they really need to be held responsible for declines in erbium sales. You know that the key to successful laser practices is education, mentorship, and places like this forum.
    The erbium laser is a fantastic laser when you are realistic about how to use it. I use mine almost everyday for three years now and I’m still learning. Dentists are always looking for a panacea, that is why we are easy to sell to.
    I think the future for the erbium is bright, it may make some corrections along the way. I just feel that education is the key.
    Nick Luizzi

    #8933 Reply

    Glenn van As
    Spectator

    Nick your eloquent post is bang on. We need to make sure that we present a balanced and professional approach to laser dentistry. I did a fair amount of restorative laser dentistry this week but by far the most I get out of the laser is for soft tissue and bone.

    I had two patients come in asking about hemangioma removal, and lots of soft tissue stuff. That for me is where the laser is better than anything I had before.

    Ron did create a wonderful site here that really is trying to educate docs as to the benefits of laser dentistry and not the hype.

    I hope that in the coming years speakers will just tell it as it is , instead of not being truthful with the dentists expectations.

    Glenn

    #8931 Reply

    whitertth
    Spectator

    Lasers in everyday practice will go as far as CONSUMER dorected marketing by companies will go. How often do you get asked for Lumineers these days? 2 years ago did anyone ask for Lumineers. Den Mat has done a great job of TV commercials lately and has created a buzz. If we really want to get Lasers jumping all we need to do from this forum is collectively build a site( Erbium laser company does not matter…and collectively start national marketing directing patients to a laser dentist near them>>>believe me an ad a month in People, or Cosmo or Vogue and you will start to see a buzz…it takes bucks and time and for some reason laser companies havent seen that yet…

    #8930 Reply

    dkimmel
    Spectator

    Niche, by all means a niche. Why? Most dentist will never come out of the box. What they are doing now works for them. Heck most are doing the same type of dentistry they did 20 or 30 years ago.

    I really think that we are now moving into the phase of doc’s buying an Er if they need to revitalize thier practice.

    #8935 Reply

    Nick Luizzi
    Spectator

    Ron:
    You are so right on the mark. If someone would get it going, I would dive in. But the complexity and the organization of a national laser campaign is beyond my feeble mind. That is a thought I wish we could go with. What are you thinking, People Mag, with a website, then area directory? Look what it has done for 1-800-Dentist. It could include across the board companies, maybe even wavelenghts, but directed to those who use lasers. Grass roots is how things start.
    Anyone who can add to the idea?
    Nick Luizzi

    #8932 Reply

    DinoDMD
    Spectator

    I sort of feel that erbium sales are going to flatten out and other wavelengths (Diodes, Nd:Yags and maybe CO2)are going to rise. Hopefully they will be able to weather the storm which is ahead. Fortunately, many erbium companies also sell other wavelenghths, so we all should be pretty safe.

    Although I do not utilize my erbium to it’s fullest potential. I still love it for small carious lesions. ROI not good when used just for that. But still worth every penny to me! You know how great it is to traet a kid without a shot? Wait a minute! what am I saying? of course you do!!! 🙂

    I love em all. but one I really dig a lot.

    The laser companies should just spill the beans and admit that if you’r going to be a “laser dentist”, you gotta have at least an erbium and a soft tisse one.
    A “perio” one is also a good one to have if much perio treated.

    Nice post Nick!:smile:
    Dino

    #8936 Reply

    Dentist2013
    Spectator

    I think there is bright features in Erbium Dentistry. wish you lot of luck

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