K071363 · Biolase Technology, Inc. · GEX · Feb 12, 2008 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K071363
Device Name
WATERLASE AND WATERLASE MD
Applicant
Biolase Technology, Inc.
Product Code
GEX · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Feb 12, 2008
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4810
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
Root Canal Disinfection Laser root canal disinfection after endodontic instrumentation
Device Story
Waterlase/Waterlase MD is an Er,Cr:YSGG dental laser system. It uses laser energy delivered via a flexible fiberoptic handpiece to perform dental procedures. For hard tissue, it combines laser energy with water atomization spray to cut, remove, shave, contour, and etch tissue. For soft tissue, it uses direct laser energy to incise, excise, or ablate, with water spray for cooling and hydration. The device features adjustable power output, pulse duration, repetition rate, and air/water flow rates. Aiming light pinpoints the treatment area. Used by clinicians in dental settings for root canal disinfection, cavity preparation, and periodontal surgery. The device benefits patients by providing a laser-based alternative to traditional mechanical or chemical disinfection methods, potentially improving procedural outcomes.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Evidence consists of bench testing, specifically in-vitro evaluation of anti-microbial efficacy of the Er,Cr:YSGG laser and evaluation of temperature rise during root canal disinfection to ensure safety.
Technological Characteristics
Er,Cr:YSGG laser system; flexible fiberoptic delivery; adjustable power, pulse duration, frequency, and air/water flow; interchangeable tips for varying spot size/geometry; visible aiming light. Operates via laser ablation and water atomization. No software algorithm class specified.
Indications for Use
Indicated for laser root canal disinfection following endodontic instrumentation in patients requiring endodontic treatment. Contraindicated in patients with conditions requiring caution for local procedures, including allergies to local/topical anesthetics, heart disease, lung disease, bleeding disorders, sleep apnea, or immune system deficiency.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
(1) A carbon dioxide laser for use in general surgery and in dermatology is a laser device intended to cut, destroy, or remove tissue by light energy emitted by carbon dioxide.(2) An argon laser for use in dermatology is a laser device intended to destroy or coagulate tissue by light energy emitted by argon.
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FEB 1 2 2008
510k Summarv of Safety and Effectiver Waterlase® MD Expanded Indications for Use Biolase Technology, Inc April 16, 2007 Rev B CONFIDENTIAL
## 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Information
| Regulatory Authority: | Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990,<br>21 CFR 807.92 |
|--------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Company: | Biolase Technology, Inc.<br>4 Cromwell<br>Irvine, CA 92618 |
| Contact: | Ms. Ioana M. Rizoiu<br>Biolase Technology, Inc.<br>4 Cromwell<br>Irvine, CA 92618<br>Tel: (949) 226-8144<br>Fax: (949) 273-6680 |
| Trade Name: | Waterlase® and Waterlase® MD |
| Common Name: | Er,Cr:YSGG laser |
| Classification Name: | Surgical laser instrument |
| Classification Code: | 79 GEX, MXF, DZI a Class II device |
| Equivalent Devices: | |
| Biolase Technology, Inc. | Waterlase® |
| Dentsply Intl, Inc. | EndoPure™ Root Canal Cleanser |
| Dentsply Intl, Inc. | BioPure® MTAD® Root Canal Cleanser |
#### Device Description:
The Waterlase® !Waterlase® MD dental laser system is a device used to perform a variety of dental soft and hard tissue indications. For hard tissue procedures the Waterlase® Waterlase MD uses the Erbium, Chromium: Yttrium, Scandium, Gallium Garnet (Er,Cr.YSGG) laser in combination with advanced water atomization spray technology to cut, remove, shave, contour, roughen and etch tissues. Soft tissue procedures are performed using a different mode of operation where direct Er, Cr. YSGG laser energy is applied to incise, excise or ablate these tissues. For soft tissue procedures the water spray is applied for hydration, cooling or to keep tissues and the field of view clean. For hard tissue applications the spray is part of the tissue removing process as well as hydration, cooling and keeping tissues and field of view clean.
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A flexible fiberoptic terminated into the handpiece delivers the Waterlase Waterlase MD laser energy to the end fiber tip and target. As visible aiming light emitted from the handpiece's distal end pinpoints the area of treatment.
Three fiber optic ports provide illumination from the handpiece to the tissue site in addition to the center beam emitting source. In both hard and soft tissue applications the power output, pulse duration, repetition rate (frequency) and air and water flow rates are adjustable to specific user requirements. The spot size and spot geometry can also be varied by changing tips which include different diameters and end configurations.
#### Indications for Use:
#### Root Canal Disinfection
Laser root canal disinfection after endodontic instrumentation
#### Contraindications:
All clinical procedures performed with Waterlase® Waterlase® MD must be subject to the same clinical judgment and care as with traditional techniques. Patient risk must always be considered and fully understood before clinical treatment. The clinician must completely understand the patient's medical history prior to treatment. Exercise caution for general medical conditions, which might contraindicate a local procedure. Such conditions may include, but are not limited to, allergy to local or topical anesthetics, heart disease, lung disease, bleeding disorders, sleep apnea or an immune system deficiency. Medical clearance from patient's physician is advisable when doubt exists regarding treatment.
#### Substantial Equivalence:
The purpose of the 510(k) is to expand the Waterlase®, and Waterlase®MD indications for use to include root canal disinfection, an indication that has already been cleared by the FDA for equivalent medical devices. The Waterlase®, and Waterlase®MD have already been cleared by the FDA for indications which relate to root canal procedures and surgical endodontic procedures related to root end amputation. Other indications cleared for this device include cavity preparations class I, II, III, IV and V, cutting, shaving, contouring and resection of osseous tissue, osteotomy, hard tissue roughening or etching, enameloplasty, soft tissue procedures and periodontal procedures related to surgery and the periodontal pocket. The Waterlase®, and Waterlase®MD indications enumerated above have been cleared by the FDA as part of the 510(k) submissions K031140, K013908, K030523, K022803, K011041, K012511, K990908, and K990219. For the indication on root canal disinfection requested with this submission. the Waterlase®, and Waterlase®MD are equivalent to the following products: BIOPURE MTAD Root Canal Cleanser K053167, and EndoPure Root Canal Cleanser K032361. Comparison between Waterlase®, and Waterlase®MD and the predicate devices is included in Table 1. Based on the comparison, the Waterlase®, and Waterlase®MD are substantially equivalent in relation to previous clearances.
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Equivalency was further substantiated through performance data, including in-vitro evaluation of anti-microbial efficacy of the
Er,Cr:YSGG (Waterlase®) and the evaluation of the temperature rise which related to the safety of these devices during root canal disinfection. Copies of the study reports are included under section 8, titled Performance Data.
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized eagle or bird-like symbol with three curved lines forming its body and wings. The logo is positioned to the right of the text, which is arranged in a circular pattern around the logo. The text reads "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES. USA".
FEB 1 2 2008
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
BIOLASE Technology, Inc. % Ioana Rizoiu VP, Clinical Research & Development 4 Cromwell Irvine, California 92618
Re: K071363 Trade/Device Name: Waterlase® and Waterlase® MD Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4810 Regulation Name: Laser surgical instrument for use in general and plastic surgery and in dermatology Regulatory Class: II Product Code: GEX, MXF Dated: January 4, 2008 Received: January 8, 2008
Dear Ioana Rizoiu:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); good manufacturing practice requirements as set
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Page 2 – Ioana Rizoiu
forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to 10gally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your levice to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance at (240) 276-0115. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding postmarket surveillance, please contact CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometric's (OSB's) Division of Postmarket Surveillance at (240) 276-3474. For questions regarding the reporting of device adverse events. (Medical Device Reporting (MDR)), please contact the Division of Surveillance Systems at (240) 276-3464. You may obtain other general information on your responsiblities under the Act from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (240) 276-3150 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/industry/support/index.html.
Sincerely vours.
Mark N. Wilkerson
Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number: K071363
Device (Trade) Name: Waterlase® and Waterlase® MD
Indications for Use:
### Root Canal Disinfection
- Laser root canal disinfection after endodontic instrumentation
Prescription Use X (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-the-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
AND/OR
510(k) Number.
Concurrence of CBRH Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
(Division Sign-Off
Division of General, Restorative,
and Neurological Devices
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.