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Laser device cleared for removing early tooth decay
Wednesday, May 19, 1999 12:46 PM
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., May 19 (Reuters) - A Michigan company has received clearance to market a
new laser device which removes the dark tissue of the early stages of tooth decay while keeping
healthy enamel intact.
American Dental Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:ADLI) , based in Southfield, Mich., said Wednesday it
received marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its PulseMaster Nd:YAG
lasers to remove only decayed tissue from teeth. The procedure usually can be performed without the
need for anesthesia.
"We regard this hard tissue clearance as a milestone in laser dentistry because it is the first clearance
for this specific indication for use," said Ben Gallant, president and chief executive officer of the
company.
The Nd:YAG laser beam attacks the dark decayed matter, selectively vaporizing it, leaving the
adjacent healthy enamel unaffected, according to the company. Once the decay has been removed,
the sound, the flashing, and the pulsing sensation stop because the laser does not interact with
healthy tooth enamel.
Other dental laser devices are used for decay which has penetrated tooth enamel.
"The PulseMaster laser has the ability to selectively remove the very beginning stages of tooth decay --
caries which is confined to enamel, the outer layer of the tooth," said Terry Myers, DDS, American
Dental vice president for research and clinical affairs and co-developer of the world's first dental laser
designed specifically for general dentistry.
American Dental develops and makes advanced technological instruments for dentistry and markets
them worldwide.
Quote for referenced ticker symbols: ADLI |
