by Dr Reuben Sim, Dental Boutique, Balwyn, VIC
The Picasso is a soft tissue laser that has multiple uses. It has a wireless foot control, an easy-to-read screen, presets and fully customisable modes.
What’s good about it
It’s very handy when performing gingivectomies. It also provides great haemostasis and leaves a nice dry field so an accurate impression can be made.
There are some situations where the laser can be used without anaesthetic but I don’t choose to do that. I recommend a local for all laser procedures to ensure there’s no discomfort for the patient. Another big advantage with this laser is that the healing afterwards is fast and often painless.
Most patients are very accepting of a laser for dental procedures. They are commonly used in the beauty industry with everything from hair removal to skin rejuvenation. My patients are definitely happier when I use a laser rather than a scalpel. I’ve owned the Picasso for five years and all my associates have been using it every day during that time. There have been no problems with it at all—it’s a hardy piece of equipment.
What’s not so good
There can be a smell of burning during use so it’s important to have suction very close to the work site. The foot pedal has a plastic cover and after repeated use, it can come off. It’s more of an annoyance than anything; the pedal still works fine.
