scaling and root planing, laser assisted periodontal therapy
is designed to selectively target dark, necrotic tissue while
preserving healthy tissue and promoting healing. To perform
periodontal therapy, the laser can be set to the pulse mode
laser tip using blue marking occlusal paper creates a “cutting
tip,” which is not necessary for bacterial reduction. The soft
tissue laser tip is effective in reducing the bacterial count
in the pocket area, which reduces the risk of bacteria entering
the patient’s bloodstream. No anesthetic is needed. In
a short 2-3 weeks, re-evaluation indicates reduced pocket
depth and no bleeding on probing.
We do recommend that you wait three months before continuing
probing depth to achieve the full effect of healing
after laser therapy.
Most lasers operate
off a selection
of continuous
wave or pulsed
output. Continuous
means it
is giving off the
same power
output constantly.
This would
be used for all
procedures that
require cutting
with an initiated
tip. This is also
where you can
heat the tissue
and start to see
charring which
is not desirable.
This means the area is overheating and the power supply
should be reduced to allow cooling. Pulsed operation of
meaning the power appears in pulses of some duration at
some repetition rate.
Understanding how laser energy works is important for safe-
why we wear safety glasses during the procedures. Transmitted
energy could excessively heat up the underlying tissue,
which is not desirable. Scattered energy can be effective
for things like biostimulation of canker sores and herpetic
lesions.3 Absorbed energy is used for cutting. The diode laser
energy is absorbed by hemoglobin, melanin, water and pigmentation.
The darker the pigmentation, the more attraction
the laser energy has. This is how the laser works and why
it only cuts soft tissue and not bone. The 810 nm laser like
the NV3PRO microlaser are better absorbed by melanin and
4 This work
to the 100 to 150 degree Celcius range. Blood coagulation is
seen early in the process while heating tissue. When the laser
tip contacts soft tissue, the tip must be initiated to concentrate
the energy. The laser light is turned into heat, creating
the photo-thermal
reaction.
There is localized
vaporization
around the zone
of carbonization.
This tool has
reduced my use
of a scalpel. In
providing same
day dentistry,
there is minimal
bleeding, minimal
postoperative
discomfort,
-
faster healing,
little or no gingival recession and more precise treatment
with no tissue scarring. It can be used around metal, dental
implants and crown and bridge work.
The use of the diode laser in periodontal and hygiene appli-
an adjunct to traditional scaling and root planing. Other indications
include bacterial reduction, sulcular debridement
and desensitization of exposed root structure.
Patients often present with herpetic lesions, which are embarrassing
and painful. When the lesion presents to us early
in the process, the laser provides an excellent tool to expedite
healing and minimize the discomfort experienced. Our
hygienists have found this diode laser to be an effective tool
to reduce pocket depth and eliminate bleeding on probing.
This is a non-initiated procedure with the laser set at 1.5
watts in pulsed mode, using a non-initiated tip.
Naturally when you consider adding a piece of equipment
to your practice you need to ask yourself if it’s applicable to
your patient’s needs, and can it boost production? From the
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