In this throwback episode Zach and Kevin feature Dr. Bob Convissar, a pioneer in laser dentistry with over 32 years of experience. He's a prolific author, lecturer, and practitioner who began his career after graduating from NYU in 1980 and acquiring a unique, century-old dental practice in New York City The main topic is the ABC's of Laser Dentistry, starting with a critical distinction between true lasers (like CO2 and Erbium) and devices often called lasers but primarily used as hot glass tips (like diodes). Bob explains that diodes, which can operate at extremely high temperatures (750∘C to 1500∘C), work thermally, creating a burn, while CO2 and Erbium lasers are absorbed by the water in soft tissue and vaporize it at 100∘C. He emphasizes that the CO2 laser is the best option for general dentists doing soft tissue work, as it creates a much smaller zone of necrosis (thermal damage) than ElectroSurge or diode lasers, leading to better healing. He also offers a crucial financial perspective, arguing that while a CO2 laser may have a higher initial purchase price (around $30,000), its lack of expensive disposable tips makes it a more cost-effective long-term investment than a cheaper diode laser (like a Picasso) with high operating expenses (potentially $18,000 in tips per year). For a multi-faceted approach, he recommends dentists invest in a CO2 laser, a modern air abrasion unit, and a Photobiomodulation (PBM) laser (around $2,000 to $3,000). PBM lasers are purely palliative and can be used for pain management, like treating TMJ issues or for analgesia on deciduous teeth, and for promoting healing after invasive procedures. Finally, Bob stresses that the most crucial factor in laser dentistry is training, advising listeners that any course focusing on only one manufacturer or wavelength is likely a sales pitch, not a comprehensive educational seminar. He promotes his widely used textbook, Principles and Practice of Laser Dentistry Join the Very Dental Facebook group using the password "Timmerman," Hornbrook" or "McWethy," "Papa Randy," "Lipscomb" or "Gary!" The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you'd like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! -- Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYDENTAL10" you'll get another 10% off your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! -- The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! -- Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! -- CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

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