,A newcomer to the dental market, the Horizon Dental System, is a different kind of laser. It is the first Class IV therapeutic medical
device specifically designed for use in dentistry. Introduced in August 2020, the Horizon Dental System was developed by Summus Medical Laser®, whose therapy lasers specialize in Regenerative, Non-Invasive Pain Management™ (RNPM™). The Horizon is a non-invasive diode laser that uses photobiomodulation (PBM), or low-level laser therapy. The Horizon laser irradiation is produced by widening the laser beam. This has a photobiomodulatory effect on cells and tissues, which modulates cell behavior, enhances tissue repair, and accelerates healing.* PBM stimulates mitochondrial and cell membrane photoreceptors, which results in proliferation rates of different types of cells, like osteoblasts and fibroblast. Some of the Horizon’s medical applications include treating neuropathy, brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and even dermatological conditions.,In the dental field, Horizon can be used to provide analgesia, reduce inflammation, speed wound healing, increase circulation, and improve the quality of oral tissue regeneration. For instance, when treating TMD, the laser causes immediate analgesia via blockade of nerve transmission, reduction of the inflammatory cytokines, and the stimulation of local nociceptive neurons. Muscle tension can be reduced in only one session when treated locally with the Horizon laser.,The Horizon system can be used to treat many conditions, including:,• Orofacial pain (TMJD and myalgias),• Implant osseointegration,• Neuralgia,• Dentinal hypersensitity,• Oral mucositis,• Halitosis,• Herpes simplex,• Herpes zoster,•Mucosa generation post scaling ,• Stomatitis,• Facial paralysis,• Lichen planus,• Burning mouth syndrome ,•Trismus,• Orthodontic pain,• Gengival graft,• Pre and post anesthesia,• Xerostomia/Dryness/Dysgeusia, ,The Horizon laser system features preprogrammed protocols, along with visual guidance graphics, for a variety of dental treatment
applications. It also offers the company’s exclusive On Call technology, which allows users to access a concierge-style service at the touch of a button. The system includes a video camera with video chat capabilities so you can talk with Summus professionals to answer clinical questions or to even schedule and record live training sessions. These components are designed to enable clinicians to provide consistent, precise, reproducible results for their patients in partnership with Horizon—it’s like having one of Horizon’s experts in the room with you., ,Horizon offers initial training that includes live, interactive, and hands-on training on everything from navigating the system to clinical applications, safety protocols, patient education, and treatment protocols and pricing. Ongoing training is offered for when staff members need a refresher, new staff needs training, or new conditions are encountered that require special treatment. Because laser therapy is always evolving, advanced training is also available, including seminars, webinars, and podcasts. Summus Medical Laser also provides marketing materials via an online platform to help you market the laser system.,Other Horizon Dental System features include:
,• Progressive treatments: individual treatment plans can be established for patients and the protocol varies as the patient progresses through the plan.
• Independent wavelength control: each wavelength has a different effect on the body. This allows delivery of the optimal therapy for each condition.
• Automatic optics identification: the laser automatically recognizes which handpiece is being used. This is important from a safety and user-experience standpoint, according to the manufacturer.
• 4 wavelengths: 980 nm improves circulation; 915 nm enhances oxygen delivery; 810 nm increases ATP production; and 650 nm accelerates surface healing.
• Phased protocols: each protocol is built with multiple phases of wavelengths and pulsing.
,With the variety of treatments that can be performed with the Horizon laser system and their therapeutic benefits to patients, general dentists can expect to expand the services they can offer in their practice and keep more referrals in house. A video detailing the Horizon system features and research articles on the subjects of oral surgery, maxillofacial, dentistry, periodontics, and oral pathology are located on the Summus website.,Resource: Dompe C, Moncrieff L, Matys J, et al. Photobiomodulation—underlying mechanism and clinical applications. J Clin Med. 2020(9):1724., , ,
