Advanced Treatment of Peri-Implantitis Using the Lightwalker ATS Dual Wavelength Dental Laser Presented at the International Dental Show (IDS)

SAN CLEMENTE, California, March 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- At the International Dental Show (IDS) held in Cologne, Germany from 10-14 March, 2015, Ilay Maden, DMD, MSc, PhD presented on advanced treatment of peri-implantitis using the Lightwalker ATS Erbium and Nd:YAG dental laser (Fotona, www.fotona.com). The IDS is the largest dental exhibition in the world with 138,500 visitors from 151 countries and 2,201 exhibitors from 56 countries.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150317/182634

Over the past two decades the number of implants placed annually has grown significantly. With this surge of implants, dentists and patients are now dealing with new clinical challenges. Some implants were placed by practitioners who had limited training, implant systems were still improving, and patients were given a naive idea that implants were impervious to periodontal disease, cavities and other potential problems. We now know implant placements requires skill, training, experience, quality implant systems, and patient compliance. Implants, like any foreign object in the body, can attract bacteria, implants can be poorly placed, and many patients have not properly cared for them. Consequently today, there is a growing big need to treat peri-implantitis.

According to a report by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), "Recent reports revealed that peri-implant mucositis was present in 48 percent of implants followed from 9 to 14 years after placement." And also "Research concerning peri-implantitis reported distinct differences in the incidence and prevalence from numerous authors with studies ranging from 6.61 percent disease prevalence over a 9-14 year period to 36.6 percent with a mean of 8.4 years after loading."

In his presentation, Dr. Maden noted, "As the number of dental implants being placed increases, even though many keep quiet about it, the reported number of cases with peri-implantitis is also increasing. The main cause of peri-implantitis is the colonisation of pathogen bacteria and the difficulty in cleaning the rough surface of implants."

"Using the Lightwalker's Er:YAG 2940nm wavelength, it is possible to clean the granulation tissues, both on the bone and implant surfaces, and thoroughly decontaminate the infected site. The erbium laser targets the water content to remove the granulation tissue selectively, due to its ability to use long pulse durations and lower peak power, while ablating the microorganisms on the surface of the bone. The bactericidal effect of low power Er:YAG on the surgical site is also effective against endotoxins and lipopolysaccharides, which provides the complete cleansing of the implant surface without chemicals or any surface modification on the implant. Er:YAG is used again with shorter pulse durations to activate bleeding and decorticating the bony wall of the defect."

Dr. Maden will be presenting a webinar on using the Lightwalker for treating peri-implantitis on April 1st, 5:00PM Central European Time. Dentists can register for the webinar at

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/30042321420378114

Dr. Maden DMD MSc PhD studied dentistry from 1998-2003 and did his PhD studies for periodontology from 2003-2009 at the University of Istanbul. He has received his Master of Science degree for Lasers in Dentistry from Aachen University, Germany (2005-2007). Dr. Maden is the co-director, lecturer and trainer of Seesaw Dental Education and is also an Adjunct Faculty Member AALZ, an expert lecturer for Laser and Health Academy and a training instructor for International Continuing Education Center for Dental Implants, Nurnberg, Germany. Dr. Maden is currently authoring the Lasers In Periodontics chapter for the updated version of Evidence Based Dentistry on Laser Dentistry. He is a member of World Academy for Laser Education & Research in Dentistry, Turkish Dental Association, European Federation of Periodontology, Turkish Periodontology Association, Turkish Association of Aesthetic Dentistry Academy and British Dental Association.

ABOUT FOTONA

Fotona has sold over 25,000 lasers around the world, with direct sales in the U.S, and distribution in over 60 countries. Fotona produces award winning lasers in dentistry, aesthetics, dermatology, gynecology & other medical fields. Fotona has one of the most highly educated workforces in the industry, with an exceptionally high number of PhDs specializing in laser and medical technology. Strong R&D capabilities have always been a key competitive advantage of the company, resulting in many patented solutions, including the Optoflex® articulated arm, QSP (Quantum Square Pulse) and VSP (Variable Square Pulse) technologies, Fotona SMOOTH® mode, Vacuum Cell technology, and many more.

The company manufactures all of its laser systems in-house, ensuring that each system is of the highest quality, reliability, ease-of-use and durability, in compliance with all applicable international standards. When you choose Fotona, you choose a company with a business philosophy to continuously Choose Perfection to meet the needs of a highly demanding marketplace. www.fotona.com

CONTACT: Keith Bateman, kbateman@t4med.com