The utilization of lasers in the management of periodontitis
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
The goal of this thesis is to discuss the role of various types of lasers available in dentistry, and their use in treating periodontal disease. While there are numerous clinical uses that can be employed as adjuncts, this discussion focuses specifically on the use of lasers in periodontics. The data used were acquired through a variety of scientific and dental journals, as well as meta-analysis, which were intended to review the overall efficacy of laser treatment and the achievement of effective outcomes. There are a variety of different lasers available on the market today; however, understanding a patient's case is critical for proper laser selection. The evidence demonstrates that simply using a laser alone does not significantly decrease the long-term efficacy of periodontal treatment. However, combining the use of the laser treatment with ongoing routine dental treatment did result in significant improvement in periodontal status.
The information available currently focuses on the combined use of lasers with conventional scaling and root planing compared to scaling and root planing alone. As an example, diode lasers are commonly used in periodontal therapy to address various soft tissue concerns. Er: YAG lasers, on the other hand, are versatile and can be utilized for both hard and soft tissue procedures. Carbon dioxide lasers are primarily employed for soft tissue treatments. Nd: YAG lasers find their application in soft tissue procedures like sulcular debridement, which is important for maintaining periodontal health. This literature review examines various parameters to assess the overall health of tissues and long-term outcomes. Additionally, the review investigates different lasers available on the market to identify the most effective treatment outcomes for reducing periodontal disease. It is important to note that certain aspects of laser treatment, such as treatment cost and other intended uses for each laser, were not considered in this review, as the focus was primarily on the efficacy of treatment for periodontitis.
While lasers have shown promising results in the treatment of periodontitis, it is important to note that the efficacy of laser therapy may vary depending on several factors, including the specific laser used, treatment protocols, and patient characteristics. Lasers have been demonstrated to be effective in certain cases and have been approved by regulatory bodies for specific dental procedures, however the field of laser periodontal therapy is still evolving, and further research is needed to establish its long-term effectiveness relative to traditional treatment methods to determine optimal treatment protocols.