CURRENT STATUS OF LASERS IN SOFT-TISSUE DENTAL SURGERY

THE AIMS OF THIS PAPER are to briefly describe laser physics, the type s of lasers currently available for use on soft tissues focusing prima rily on CO2 and Nd:YAG laser energies, the histological effects of las ers on oral tissues, laser safety, the clinical applications of lasers on oral soft tissues, and future directions. Of the two types of lase rs currently available for dental applications, both the CO2 and Nd:YA G lasers can be used for frenectomies, ablation of lesions, incisional and excisional biopsies, gingivectomies, gingivoplasties, soft tissue tuberosity reductions, operculum removal, coagulation of graft donor sites, and certain crown lengthening procedures. The advantages of las ers include a relatively bloodless surgical and post-surgical course, minimal swelling and scarring, coagulation, vaporization, and cutting, minimal or no suturing, reduction in surgical time, and, in a majorit y of cases, much less or no post-surgical pain. CO2 lasers, compared t o Nd:YAG are faster for most procedures, with less depth of tissue pen etration and a well-documented history. There have been recent reports on the use of the Nd:YAG laser for periodontal scaling, gingival cure ttage, and root desensitization, but further research needs to be cond ucted. Both the CO2 and the Nd:YAG laser have limited use in conventio nal flap therapy.