Dr. Nobumoto, who has been practicing alongside his father in Hiroshima, Japan since 1975, provides a comprehensive overview of his nearly decade-long experience with CO2 lasers.
Dr. Nobumoto highlights the effectiveness of CO2 lasers for soft tissue treatments, noting that they are particularly advantageous for procedures involving soft tissues due to their precise action and minimal side effects. In Japan, several types of lasers are authorized for medical use, including CO2, Er:YAG, Nd:YAG, and semiconductor lasers. Each type has its strengths, with CO2 lasers excelling in soft tissue applications and Er:YAG lasers being ideal for hard tissues.
Initially, there were concerns about the effectiveness of surface-absorbing lasers like CO2 and whether their use was truly necessary. However, Dr. Nobumoto emphasizes that these lasers are highly effective within their visible action range and manageable even if issues arise. In his extensive experience, he has not encountered significant problems using CO2 lasers.
One of the standout benefits of using CO2 lasers is their ability to clear the surgical field while performing incisions, which accelerates the treatment process and spares patients the discomfort associated with the smell and taste of blood. This can also reduce intraoperative complications such as spikes in blood pressure and tachycardia.
CO2 lasers offer a noninvasive treatment option that minimizes bleeding and infection risks, significantly reducing stress for both practitioners and patients. This aspect is particularly beneficial given the higher prevalence of comorbidities among the aging population.
Dr. Nobumoto addresses common concerns regarding the healing process with CO2 lasers, such as the formation of a black carbonization layer during vaporization or coagulation. He explains that the natural healing facilitated by the body's mechanisms ensures clean and effective recovery despite initial appearances.
The application of CO2 lasers spans a wide range of cases, with outcomes varying based on the manipulation of the handpiece and irradiation time. Dr. Nobumoto encourages practitioners to enhance their skills through hands-on seminars and training to maximize the benefits of laser technology. Although the lack of tactile feedback with non-contact incisions can initially be unsettling, increased familiarity with the technology boosts confidence and proficiency.
In summary, Dr. Nobumoto’s adoption of CO2 lasers has significantly enhanced his clinical practice, making procedures more efficient and patient-friendly. For those interested in more detailed information, Raymond Lee invites viewers to request the full paper and reach out to Raymond's Dental Solutions at dentalsolutionusa@gmail.com.
By embracing the advantages of CO2 lasers, dental practitioners can improve their clinical outcomes and provide better care for their patients."
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