Your “third hand” in pediatric dentistry — less stress, more smiles

Dr. Lawrence Kotlow discusses products that make dentistry easier and more comfortable

The practice of dentistry has made significant strides in the past 50 years. Innovative products that seem so simple have made dental treatment so much easier. Zyris Isolite^® has created two such devices. Their initial product is known as the Isolite system — the introduction of the Isolite system made doing restorative dentistry much easier than using the rubber dam, especially as lasers become more available allowing painless anesthetic-free restorative dentistry. When using lasers, we need to prevent any type of reflection, and the material used is nonreflective and gentle to the tissues.

The latest innovation from Zyris is called the Hoopla™ Retractor. Both devices are perfect for the practice of pediatric dentistry, general dentistry, oral surgery, dental hygiene, and orthodontics. The Hoopla Retractor is especially beneficial for patient management, when treating a young child or patients suffering from dementia. In crown and bridge, the Hoopla also makes the scanning of teeth easier. I call both devices the “third hand,” since it frees up a hand usually relegated to retraction in many procedures, allowing the assistant to be more effective and valuable. A wide range of procedures can be completed in less time and with less stress for the patient using the Hoopla Retractor.

Oral hygiene

The dental hygienist can use the Hoopla Retractor to keep the lips and cheeks away from the treatment area when placing fluoride and scaling teeth, by hand or with the ultrasonic scaler. It works exceptionally well with semi-cooperative patients.

Oral surgery

During soft tissue procedures such as gingivectomy, reshaping hypoplastic gingival tissue, or depigmentation, the Hoopla Retractor is beneficial. It is also helpful when releasing the lingual frenum.

Restorative dentistry

The Isolite is the perfect addition to hard tissue laser restorative dentistry. When using a hard tissue laser to remove tooth tissue, it is imperative to make sure the tooth remain well hydrated to prevent discomfort and burning the tooth. Often when using the high-speed suction, there is the potential to pull the water away from the tooth. I call it the “J effect.” When using the Isolite, water is pulled over the tooth; this keeps the tooth hydrated and prevents pooling of water in the area, which can interfere with hard tissue ablation. The Isolite protects the cheeks and also acts as a mouth prop eliminating the scissor-type mouth prop extending outside the mouth.

Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment using Invisalign is quicker and easier for the orthodontist and patient with Isolite when placement and removal of buttons are required to be placed on the buccal areas of the upper and lower teeth to retain the Invisalign retainers.

Both the Isolite and Hoopla come in sizes for adults, children, and toddlers. I have found in every case for which I choose to use the Isolite or the Hoopla Retractor, the procedures are completed in less time. Patients seem very comfortable and accept both devices with ease.

This information was provided by Zyris Isolite®.