Bipolar Electrosurgery

Bipolar electrosurgery is a precise soft tissue management technology that has gained significant popularity in modern dentistry due to its safety and control. Unlike traditional monopolar systems that require a grounding pad and pass current through the patient's entire body, bipolar technology keeps the electrical current localized between the two tips of the forceps or probe. This course examines the fundamental principles of bipolar electrosurgery, detailing how it coagulates and cuts tissue with minimal thermal spread, making it an ideal tool for delicate procedures around teeth, implants, and metallic restorations. The curriculum covers a wide range of clinical applications, from gingival troughing for crown and bridge impressions to frenectomies, gingivectomies, and effective hemostasis. Participants will learn the distinct advantages of using bipolar units, such as the ability to operate in wet fields and the reduced risk of sparking or unintended burns to adjacent tissues. Special attention is given to the differences in tissue response compared to lasers and scalpel techniques. Safety is a paramount component of this training. The course addresses critical protocols for treating patients with pacemakers and other implantable electronic devices, where bipolar units often offer a safer alternative to monopolar devices. Additionally, proper instrument maintenance, tip selection, and sterilization procedures are outlined to ensure equipment longevity and patient protection. By mastering these techniques, dental professionals can improve procedural efficiency and patient comfort.