BIOLASE WaterLase vs Cross Contamination

15% of "sterilized" burs and up to 76% of "sterilized" endodontic files carry pathogenic micro-organisms (see list below). The rough surface of dental burs is difficult to clean, so autoclaving often fails to completely decontaminate burs before they are used on the next patient -- maybe YOU!

The Centers for Disease Control defines cross-contamination as the act of spreading bacteria and viruses from one surface to another. Blood-borne viruses have the ability to live on objects and surfaces for as long as a week. The next surface germs are spread to may be inside your mouth.

The WaterLase© dental laser system -- a revolutionary technology made by BIOLASE Technology (NASDAQ: BLTI) in Irvine CA -- that replaces drills, needles & anesthetic, and scalpels for many common dental, periodontal and endodontic procedures, may reduce your risk of cross-contamination.

WaterLase is a cleaner, safer dental instrument:
1. The flawless WaterLase tip surface does not harbor debris or bacteria like abrasive surface of burs and files
2. WaterLase YSGG laser energy is bacteriacidal
3. WaterLase Works without contact to tooth
4. Single-use, disposable tips
4. Eliminates accidental "sticks" possible while handling contaminated burs

Increased exposure from cross contamination to strains of resistant bacteria and viruses represents an especially serious health threat for patients with compromised immune systems, the elderly, ill, and cancer survivors.

Learn more about how to reduce the risks to yourself and your family at BIOLASE.com

In a research study, the following bacterial and fungal species were recovered from burs used in dental practice: Streptococcus, S. mutans, S. sanguis, S. milleri, Anaerobic streptococci, Lactobacillus spp., Gemella, G. morbillorum, Staphylococcus spp., Coagulase negative staphylococci, Corynebacteria spp., Actinomyces spp., Aerococcus viridans, Enterococcus avium, Stomatococcus mucillagenous, Black pigmented anaerobes, Prevotella spp., Porphyromonas spp., Veillonella spp., Candida, C. albicans