6.0 UNIT-DOSE FIBER TIPS
The fiber optic element of a laser is responsible for carrying the light from the diode array to the tissue being treated.
The dental laser fibers are usually made of quartz, sapphire, silica or a combination of those elements. Quartz/silica is
the most popular product used in diode lasers. Be advised about the potential hazards when inserting, steeply bend-
ing or improperly securing the fiberoptics to the handpiece. Radiation exposure may occur in these instances which
could be harmful to yourself, your staff and your patient. Special care should be taken not to break or snap the fiber
when removing tips from packaging. As the Aiming Beam passes down the same delivery system as the Working
Beam, it provides a good method of checking for integrity of the delivery system. If the aiming beam spot is not
present at the distal end of the delivery system, its intensity is reduced, or it looks diffused, this is a possible indica-
tion of a damaged or not properly working delivery system.
6.0.1 General
The unit dose fiber tips contain a pre-cleaved and pre-stripped piece of fiber. They are individually wrapped and
delivered gamma irradiated. They are designed for single application and should be discarded after each use.
If necessary, the tip can be cleaved using the cleaving procedure in 6.1.2.
6.0.2 Replacing a Unit Dose Fiber Tip
Remove plastic cover and push the tip into the handpiece until it locks into place. Do not touch the polished fiber
connector after removing the plastic cover and keep the fiber connection clean.
6.1 FIBER PREPARATION
The unit dose tips are pre-stripped and pre-cleaved for immediate use. If necessary, the tip can be cleaved. See
instructions below.
6.1.1 Quartz/Silica Fiber
The fiber is fairly flexible but can be broken if bent into a small circle or bent at an angle of 90 degrees. The
cladding will burn as protein from the gingival accumulates on the fiber and will deteriorate the tip. It can fracture
if not cleaved once the blackened area has reached 3-4 mm. Stop lasing and wipe off the tip regularly as you work
to avoid accumulation of protein debris. Use water on a 2 x 2 gauze sponge to clean the tip. Do not use flammable
materials like alcohol products when cleaning a hot tip. Dispose of all small fiber remnants after you have cleaved
the fiber. They should be kept in a small box with a lid until they can be properly disposed of in a Sharps container.
28
T h e L e a d e r i n D i o d e L a s e r s .
SYSTEM COMPONENTS: PREPARATIONS, CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Section 6
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