American Dental Technologies Introduces Advanced New Laser for Treatment of Gum Disease.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich.--(BW HealthWire)--May 29, 1998--American Dental Technologies (NASDAQ:ADLI) has unveiled the world's first 200 Hz (pulses per second) dental laser -- the PulseMaster(R) 600 IQ -- an instrument designed specifically for soft tissue surgery, including the treatment of periodontal (gum) disease and aphthous ulcers (canker sores).

Periodontal disease is not only the number one cause of tooth loss in North America but a number of recent studies have also linked it to heart disease, low birth weight, lung disease and other systemic disorders. Though it often goes undiagnosed, the American Academy of Periodontology estimates that more than 80 percent of the U.S. population suffers from some form of periodontal disease.

"All of the trends point to the fact that periodontal disease will be the greatest challenge facing dentistry in the 21st century," American Dental Technologies President Ben J. Gallant said. "With the PulseMaster 600 IQ and our new computerized periodontal probing system, the Probe One(TM), American Dental Technologies has introduced the two key tools that will allow dentists to both diagnose and treat periodontal disease earlier and more gently than ever before possible."

"While some companies have been primarily focused on the potential hard tissue applications for lasers, we continue to be excited about the way our laser could revolutionize the treatment of periodontal disease," Gallant said. "Not only is the PulseMaster specifically designed to be an ideal soft tissue instrument but it is the only laser on the market that has marketing clearance for soft tissue curettage and aphthous ulcer treatment."

In curettage, the laser's optical fiber is inserted into pockets of infection that develop between the teeth and gums. Patients are usually treated comfortably even without anesthesia. Studies have shown that patients often exhibit dramatic improvement after just one treatment when used in conjunction with conventional treatment.

The PulseMaster 600 IQ features two primary innovations. The pulse range, which was previously limited to 100 pulses per second, has been doubled to 200 pulses per second. Greater intelligence has been added in the form of user presets which allow dentists to instantly select up to six different energy/pulse rate combinations.

"Increasing the laser's pulse rate allows the dentist to surgically remove soft tissue more smoothly than ever before, even at low energy levels," Gallant said. "The presets mean that a dentist can access the settings for his or her most commonly performed treatments at the touch of a single button. The PulseMaster was already the most advanced soft tissue laser on the market but these new enhancements carry it even further beyond the competition."

The PulseMaster also offers a wide selection of optical fibers (200, 300 and 400 micron diameter).

American Dental Technologies has been a leading innovator in high-tech dentistry. The company introduced the world's first dental laser in May 1990 and in 1992 unveiled the first modern air abrasion instrument, the KCP(R). The KCP uses tiny abrasive particles to remove decay and allows dentists, in many cases, to treat patients without needles or drills.

In 1995, American Dental Technologies introduced the first Plasma Arc Curing system (PAC). The PAC utilizes a high intensity light source to cure composite fillings four times faster than conventional lights. It is also used to accelerate light-activated tooth whitening materials.

Headquartered in Southfield, MI, American Dental Technologies develops and manufactures advanced technologies for dentistry and markets them worldwide. It is listed on NASDAQ under the trading symbol ADLI. More information can be found at the company's website, www.americandentaltech.com.

CONTACT: American Dental Technologies

Diane Miller, 248/395-3900