A diode is a laser specifically for soft tissue. The wavelengths of light emitted from a diode laser are ideally suited for soft tissue procedures due to the high absorption by hemoglobin and melanin in the tissues. This makes diodes very versatile. The diode laser works when tissue pigmentation absorbs the laser light energy and causes a precise cut and coagulation of the target tissue, with less trauma than a scalpel. This leads to less post-operative pain and faster healing times. Diodes also excel in periodontal therapy. When appropriate levels of energy are used, the diode will have an antibacterial effect instead of a cutting effect. This light energy can be used to eliminate harmful bacteria around the teeth and below the gumline where they cannot be thoroughly removed by other methods. This makes routine cleanings and more intensive gum disease treatments significantly more effective than ordinary cleaning methods. We can also desensitize teeth and treat aphthous ulcers (cankor sores) and herpetic leasions (cold sores) with our diode. Trimira Identafi 3000 To help protect our patients we perform an oral cancer exam on every patient, every year during each doctor examination. But that is not enough. Many times, things can be difficult to see or look questionable. So our office uses the Trimira Identafi 3000 to help differentiate harmful abnormalities from variances in mouth. The Identafi uses white, violet and amber wavelengths of light to excite oral tissues in distinct and unique ways. As a result, biochemical changes can be monitored with fluorescence, whereas morphological changes can be monitored with reflectance. The combined system of fluorescence and reflectance uses the body’s natural tissue properties as an adjunctive tool for oral mucosal examination. This helps us know if a biopsy is necessary. This device is very safe and exams normally take only a few minutes.