K991994 · Biolase Technology, Inc. · GEX · Sep 10, 1999 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K991994
Device Name
TWILIGHT
Applicant
Biolase Technology, Inc.
Product Code
GEX · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Sep 10, 1999
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4810
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
Incision, excision, vaporization, ablation and coagulation of oral soft tissues including: Excisional and incisional biopsies Exposure of unerupted teeth Fibroma removal Frenectomy and frenotomy Gingival troughing for crown impressions Gingivectomy Gingivoplasty Gingival incision and excision Hemostasis Implant recovery Incision and drainage of abscess Laser Assisted Uvulopaletoplasty (LAUP) This laser is effective for cutting, ablating, coagulating and removing oropharangeal soft tissue that has been diagnosed as anatomically abnormal or naturally occurring hypertrophic which has been identified and confirmed as being associated with chroninc palatal snoring. Leukoplakia Operculectomy Oral papillectomies Pulpotomy Pulpotomy as an adjunct to root canal therapy Reduction of gingival hypertrophy Reduction of bacterial level (decontamination) and inflammation Soft tissue crown lengthening Sulcular debridement (removal of diseased or inflamed soft tissue in the periodontal pocket to improve clinical indices including gingival index, gingival bleeding index, probe depth, attachment loss and tooth mobility) Treatment of aphthous ulcers Vestibuloplasty
Device Story
Twilight™ is a dental diode laser system using a Gallium Aluminum Arsenide (GaAIAs) solid-state laser diode to generate optical energy. The device is operated by a clinician in a dental office setting. Energy is delivered via a flexible fiberoptic handpiece; a visible light beam at the distal end assists in targeting treatment areas. The clinician adjusts optical power and pulse settings based on the specific surgical application. The laser energy incises, excises, ablates, and coagulates soft tissue. By providing precise tissue removal and hemostasis, the device facilitates various oral surgeries, including biopsies, gingival procedures, and periodontal debridement, potentially reducing patient discomfort and improving healing compared to traditional surgical techniques.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence is based on bench testing, performance specifications, and comparison to legally marketed predicate devices.
Technological Characteristics
Gallium Aluminum Arsenide (GaAIAs) solid-state laser diode; flexible fiberoptic handpiece delivery system; adjustable optical power and pulse settings; visible aiming beam; Class II surgical laser instrument.
Indications for Use
Indicated for incision, excision, vaporization, ablation, and coagulation of oral soft tissues in patients requiring dental surgical procedures, including biopsies, gingivectomy, frenectomy, and treatment of periodontal disease or snoring-related oropharyngeal hypertrophy. Contraindicated in patients with conditions where local procedures are inadvisable, such as allergies to anesthetics, heart/lung disease, bleeding disorders, sleep apnea, or immune deficiencies.
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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SEP 1 0 1999
# K991994
510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Information
| Regulatory<br>Authority: | Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990,<br>21 CFR 807.92 |
|------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Company: | BioLase Technology, Inc.<br>981 Calle Amanecer<br>San Clemente, California 92673 |
| Contact: | Ms. Ioana M. Rizoiu<br>BioLase Technology, Inc.<br>981 Calle Amanecer<br>San Clemente, California 92673<br>(714) 361-1200 (714) 361-0204 Fax |
| Trade Name: | Twilight™ |
| Common Name: | Dental diode laser |
| Classification Name: | Surgical laser instrument |
| Classification Code: | 79 GEX |
| Equivalent Devices: | |
| American Dental Technologies | PulseMaster™ |
| Dentek-LaserSystems | LD-15™ |
| Premier Laser Systems | Aurora™ |
## Device Description:
The Twilight™ dental diode laser system may be used to perform several dental applications. Twilight™ uses advanced laser technology to incise, excise and ablate intraoral soft tissues safely and effectively. A Gallium Aluminum Arsenide (GaAIAs) solid state laser diode provides optical energy to oral soft tissues.
A flexible fiberoptic handpiece delivers the Twilight™ laser energy. A visible light emitted from the handpiece distal end pinpoints the area of treatment. The optical power output and pulse may be adjusted to specific user requirements.
#### Indications for Use:
Incision, excision, vaporization, ablation and coagulation of oral soft tissues including:
Excisional and incisional biopsies Exposure of unerupted teeth Fibroma removal Frenectomy and frenotomy
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Gingival troughing for crown impressions Gingivectomy Gingivoplasty Gingival incision and excision Hemostasis Implant recovery Incision and drainage of abscess Laser Assisted Uvulopaletoplasty (LAUP) This laser is effective for cutting, ablating, coagulating and removing oropharangeal soft tissue that has been diagnosed as anatomically abnormal or naturally occurring hypertrophic which has been identified and confirmed as being associated with chroninc palatal snoring. Leukoplakia Operculectomy Oral papillectomies Pulpotomy Pulpotomy as an adjunct to root canal therapy Reduction of gingival hypertrophy Reduction of bacterial level (decontamination) and inflammation Soft tissue crown lengthening Sulcular debridement (removal of diseased or inflamed soft tissue in the periodontal pocket to improve clinical indices including gingival index, gingival bleeding index, probe depth, attachment loss and tooth mobility) Treatment of aphthous ulcers Vestibuloplasty
#### Cautions and Contraindications:
All clinical procedures performed with Twilight™ must be subjected to the same clinical judgement 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 that might contraindicate a local procedure. Such conditions may include 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:
There are no unique applications, indications, materials or specifications presented herein. Twilight™ is identical to several other diode laser systems cleared by the FDA. Equivalent devices include: Premier, Aurora™(K954316), American Dental
Technologies, PulseMaster™ (K972325) and Dentek, LD-15 ™ (K974057) for general dental soft tissue applications, Premier, Aurora™ (K981379) for pulpotomy and American Dental Technologies, PulseMaster™ (K961269) and Premier, Aurora™ (K974586) for sulcular debridement.
#### Conclusion:
Twilight™ is substantially equivalent to several available, established dental diode laser products. Twilight™ performs through the same mechanism as other diode laser technologies.
· Evidence of equivalence has been demonstrated through:
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- Equivalent performance specifications
- Promotional materials for equivalent systems
- Equivalent intended uses
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Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Image /page/3/Picture/10 description: The image shows a partial view of a logo or emblem, featuring a stylized graphic element consisting of three curved lines stacked on top of each other. The lines appear to be thicker at the top and taper slightly as they descend. To the left of the graphic, a portion of text is visible, arranged vertically and curved to follow the shape of the graphic. The text is in a sans-serif font and appears to be part of a larger phrase or title.
SEP 1 0 1999
Ms. Ioana M. Rizoiu Vice President, Clinical Research and Development BIOLASE Technology, Inc. 981 Calle Amanecer San Clemente, California 92673
K991994 Re: Trade Name: TwilightTM Regulatory Class: II Product Code: GEX Dated: June 11, 1999 Received: June 14, 1999 ·
Dear Ms. Rizoiu:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to 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). 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 (Premarket Approval), 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 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the current Good Manufacturing Practice requirement, as set forth in the Ouality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic (OS) inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in regulatory action. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obligation you might have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations.
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## Page 2 - Ms. Ioana M. Rizoiu
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4595. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D.
Director Division of General and Restorative Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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DUPLICATE
K 99 1994/K²
Page 1 of 3
510(k) Number : K991994
Device Name:
Twilight™
Indications for Use:
# Ear, Nose and Throat and Oral Surgery:
Hemostasis, incision, excision, ablation and vaporization of tissues from the ear, nose, throat and adjacent areas, including soft tissue in the oral cavity. Examples:
Removal of beningn lesions from ear, nose and throat. Excision and vaporization of vocal cord nodules and polyps. Incision and excision of carcinoma in-situ. Ablation and vaporization of kyperkeratosis. Excision of carcinoma of the larynx. Laryngeal papillomectomy. Excision and vaporization of herpes simplex I and II.
#### Arthroscopy:
Hemostasis, incision, excision, vaporization and ablation of joint tissues during arthroscopic surgery.
Examples:
Menisectomy Synovectomy Chondromalacia
#### Gastroenterology:
Hemostasis, incision, excision and vaporization of tissue in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts via endoscopy. Examples:
Hemostasis of upper and lower GI bleeding Excision and vaporization of colorectal carcinoma Excision of polyps
# General Surgery, Dermatology & Plastic Surgery, and Podiatry:
510(k) Number
Excision, ablation, vaporization and photocoagulation of skin lesions, hemostasis, incision, excision, vaporization, ablation and debulking of soft tissue, abdominal, rectal, skin, fat or muscle tissue and dermabrasion. Examples:
24 Aug 99 13 5
| Matrixectomy |
|--------------------------------------------|
| Excision of neuromas |
| Excision of periungual and subungual warts |
| Excision of plantar warts |
| Excision of Keloids |
| Liver resection |
| Excision of cutaneous lesions |
| Hemorrhoidectomy |
| Appendectomy |
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of General Restorative Devices K99199
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#### Page 2 of 3
General Surgery, Dermatology & Plastic Surgery, and Podiatry (continues): Examples:
Debridement of decubitus ulcer Hepatobiliary Mastectomy Dermabrasion Vaporization & hemostasis of capillary hemangioma Excision, vaporization & hemostasis of abdominal tumors Excision, vaporization & hemostasis of rectal pathology Pilonidal cystectomy Herniorraphy Adhesiolysis Parathyroidectomy Laparoscopic cholecystecomy Thyroidectomy Resection of organs
#### GI/GU:
Excision, vaporization, and hemostasis of abdominal and rectal tissues. Examples:
> Hemorrhoidectomy Excision, vaporization, and hemostasis of rectal pathology Excision, vaporization, and hemostasis of abdominal tumors
#### Gynecology:
Ablation, excision, hemostasis and vaporization of tissue. Examples:
> Endometrial ablation Excision or vaporization of condylomata acuminata Vaporization of CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) Cervical conization Menorrhagia
#### Neurosurgery:
Hemostasis of tissue. Example:
Hemostasis in conjunction with meningiomas
#### Ophthalmology:
Retinal photocoagulation Diabetic retinopathy
Signature
(Division Sign Off) Division of General Restorative Devices K 9 9 199 9 510(k) Number
#### Pulmonary Surgery:
Hemostasis, vaporization, and excision of tissue. Examples:
Tracheobronchial malignancy or stricture
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Page 3 of 3
# Pulmonary Surgery (continues):
Hemostasis, vaporization, and excision of tissue. Examples:
Benign and malignant pulmonary obstruction
Urology: Hemostasis, vaporization and excision of tissues. Examples:
> Vaporization of urethral tumors Release of urethral stricture Removal of bladder neck obstruction Excision and vaporization of condyloma Lesions of external genitalia.
> > Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use (Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OL
Over-The-Counter-Use _
pcoelle
(Division Sigo-Off)
Division of General Restorative Devices
510(k) Number ***_****_*K991994
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.