For a long time, I simply refused to pay the tremendous price for a diode laser. I did see a use for it in my practice. But the relatively limited uses (soft tissue procedures) didn’t justify the huge cost. I remember when diode lasers were running $15,000. Some were higher than that.
I also remember chuckling when the sales guys would go on about how I could make money doing frenectomies. I don’t know about you, but I just don’t see that many frenectomies that need doing in my practice. And, I certainly would not start “seeing” them in order to pay for my latest equipment purchase. Of course, I could foresee using one for cosmetic gingival recontouring. I could see one for troughing around crown preps. I could use my trusty electrosurge for those purposes, however, even recognizing the shortcomings of the e-surge.
Around Implants
But, there was something I was increasingly needing to do, but the e-surge was absolutely contraindicated. And, that was removing hyperplastic or overhanging tissues around implant fixtures. Zapping those with an e-surge is a quick way to have an implant fail. So, I made do with a high-speed diamond. It was messy, but it worked. The more implant cases I was restoring, the more I yearned for a diode to easily clean up excess tissue around the fixtures when I placed impression copings. Patients don’t like it when you pinch that tissue! Ouch!
Lasers Are Expensive – Or Are They?
Ultimately, I didn’t see a diode the way the sales reps portrayed them… strictly as another revenue producer. Nothing inherently wrong with that, of course. But, I saw it as a tool that would make my life easier and enhance the quality and efficiency of my daily practice. But, again… not for $15,000. Not for $10,000. Even when some models came down to $5,000 I balked.
But, recently AMD Lasers busted the diode market wide open. They introduced the Picasso Lite at a competition-killing price of $2495! And, I was IN! At this price, it becomes a no-brainer. This 2.5-watt laser will do everything most GPs need. It comes with everything you need, including three sets of protective goggles.
AMD‘s stated goal is to have a diode laser, not just in every dental office, but in every operatory!
AMD's Picasso Lite diode laser. Dimensions are (width x length x height) : 5.5 in x 8.6 in x 6.3 in.
I got the multi-tip handpiece kit. This replaces the “strippable fiber” with a permanent sheathed optical fiber that has a handpiece attached. The handpiece then accepts a variety of disposable tips. I prefer not having to deal with the gangly strippable fibers that have to be replaced as they get used up ($200 each). The disposable tips run a bit under $5 each.
Individually packaged disposable fiber tip.
I do not charge the patient a separate fee for any adjunctive uses of the laser such as crown prep troughing or minor cosmetic recontouring. My fees are high enough to absorb the minor added costs. I just love the results I’m getting. It beats the snot out of using retraction cord! But, if I use it to remove a lesion like a fibroma or do one of those odd frenectomies, I do charge the appropriate fee for the procedure. Naturally, I’d also charge for major recontouring, such as you would do in a smile design case. And, I did actually use it for a frenectomy recently! 🙂 I will say it was worth getting just for using around implants.
Making a Great First Impression
I’ve got to say that it is VERY gratifying to do an impression like this of a full-arch case and nail every margin (troughed with the Picasso Lite beforehand).
Here's a full arch impression I nailed on the first try. Every margin crisp and clear after troughing with the Picasso Lite diode laser.
Impression porn! Super close up of same impression in anterior segment. Nice marginal detail!
Another super-close-up of the marginal detail you can get with diode laser gingival troughing. Is that gorgeous, or WHAT? Looking at your impressions (or dies) at this magnification can be an eye-opener.
What About Those New Tiny Lasers?
There are some other “portable” diodes on the market right now. In fact, they are what I would call “super-portable.” They are TINY, like the size of a fat pen that can fit in your shirt pocket. But, they are NOT cheap. In fact, for the price of ONE of them, you could buy THREE Picasso Lites, and put one in each operatory. No “portability” needed. Frankly, I’d be a bit concerned about LOSING one of the “pen-sized” lasers. They’re TOO small, in my opinion. The Picasso Lite is small enough (Width x length x height : 5.5 in. x 8.6 in. x 6.3 in.) to find a permanent location to park in your operatory AND be handy whenever you need it. You just reach for the slim handpiece.
In reality, the concept of “portable” when it comes to dental equipment is really not practical. If the instrument or device you need is not immediately at “arm’s reach,” you’re simply not going to ROUTINELY use it. I remember having my “portable” intraoral video camera that was on a wheeled cart. The reality was that I was not going to ask my assistant to get up and get it. If it wasn’t RIGHT THERE, I simply didn’t use it. With the very affordable price of the Picasso Lite, you can have one within arm’s reach in each of your operatories.
The AMD Picasso Lite laser (just click the link and buy one – or more!) fits right into the Dental Warrior’s arsenal of no-brainer practice enhancers! You won’t be disappointed! Tell them the Dental Warrior sent you. 🙂
Video Demo of Picasso Lite:
PS… If you want to see a bunch of great videos on using the Picasso Lite Diode laser by my friend, Dr. Glenn van As, click here.
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I am a big fan of lasers – and frenectomies and false economics have never been a reason for me to promote a product.
A laser = good dentistry – good for the patient, and the fact that you can quickly see a return on your investment makes this worthwhile. As you have shown, a nice clean imp, great with cosmetic procedures…..and even the odd frenectomy!
The newer ‘pen’ style does hit the mark for portability – and even though you would be scared to drop them, I have sold several over the last few months and not had that problem (not to say it couldn’t happen!).
Usually, I promote the slightly higher price range just based on features and several years of experience (and I can’t sell the Picasso). The more basic and less expensive lasers usually get my customers to notice – but most of my basic laser users (Odyssey first gen back in the $15,000 days) have all come back to buy the more advanced models.
I am glad to see more competitive pricing on this excellent tool – and with support from industry leaders like yourself Mike, I am confident there will be an even larger following of this technology!
Smile!
Warren Bobinski
Success in Dentistry and Life.
I just finished coaching/training an office with 3 full time hygienists. On his patient’s behalf, their doctor bought each of them a Picasso Lite! Within 3 months, these hygienists raised the level of health and wellness by 40%. The 3 lasers were paid for in less than 1 month. A win-win for everybody!
I am practicing dentist in India. I am interested to purchase Picaso diode laser for my practice in India. Kindly quote best FOB price for New delhi
Hello Sidhant in India!
I don’t work for AMD, so I can’t quote any prices (and I’m not sure what “FOB” means). I’m just a Warrior Dentist in the trenches, like you. But, you can contact them directly at http://www.AMDlasers.com. I’m sure they can get one to you.
i am purchasing a amd laser at usa, will i have service & warranty at india.
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I want to adquire the pcasso lite. What is the C & F to Guayaquil , Ecuador. Can the payment can be with a bank lettre of credit at site?
Thanks
How did you decide on the AMD? They were the only vender at the NYC (Greater NY) Dental Meeting (2011) that did not have their equipment set up for demos? I’m still getting by with my 20+ yr old Premier Aurora diode (bought it new) but am tempted to upgrade.
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could you please e-mail me more info on the picasso lite laser
I’m not a representative or employee of AMD Lasers. I recommend you contact them directly. There are links in the article.
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Last time I posted regarding AMD’s refusal to set up demonstration ready lasers at the Greater NY Dental Meeting (Javits Center NYC). Last November’s convention saw NO change in this policy. The AMD booth was huge and plush but each machine was on a pedestal and could not be tested. We’ll see if this policy has changed in a few weeks.
Has anyone else found this to be true at other conventions?
I am currently an Air Force dentist and we have a diode laser in our “group practice.” We have very strict guidelines regarding the use of these in the military including having doors or screens on our operatory that can block any errant laser beams (excessive I agree) but one other requirement for use is to have protective eyewear for the dentist and pt. Just wondering if you do any of these things in your private practice? Thanks
Hi Dr. Heyse!
Thank you for your service! I was a Navy dentist for three years right out of D-school. In my practice, the assistant, the patient, and I all wear protective laser goggles. But, I don’t have doors or screens. Seems pretty silly to me. But, I DO understand how things “work” in the military. 😀
Thanks for reading and commenting on my blog! A Navy blessing for you: “Fair winds and following seas.”
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