Page 14 - GP Fall 2024

for tissue healing, pain management, and Intensity: Laser light can be highly intense, Pain Management and Anesthesia: Another
inflammation reduction. It involves the ap- making it suitable for precise applications benefit of laser dentistry is its potential to
plication of low-power lasers to stimulate such as surgery, cutting, and engraving. reduce the need for traditional anesthesia
cellular processes and promote tissue repair. and post-operative pain management. La-
LED (Light Emitting Diode): ser procedures are often associated with
3. By Power: High-Level Laser Thera- minimal discomfort during treatment and
py (HILT) vs. Low-Level Laser Therapy Directionality: LED light is less directional reduced inflammation and pain in the re-
(LLLT): 10 than lasers, emitting light at a wider angle. covery phase. This can lead to improved
patient satisfaction and compliance with
High-Level Laser Therapy (HILT): Coherence: LED light is non-coherent, dental care recommendations. 13
with photons oscillating randomly.
HILT involves using high-power lasers for Safety Considerations and Training: La-
therapeutic purposes, typically in the range Spectral Range: LEDs emit light across sers offer numerous advantages, but gen-
of 10 watts or higher. It is often used for a broader spectrum, resulting in a wider eral dentists must undergo proper training
surgical procedures and treatments requir- range of colors. and certification to ensure safe and effective
ing deeper tissue penetration, such as cut- use. Understanding laser physics, tissue in-
ting, coagulation, and tissue ablation. HILT Intensity: While LEDs can be bright, they teractions, and appropriate safety protocols
procedures may require anesthesia and are typically produce lower-intensity light is essential to minimize the risk of adverse
performed by trained professionals in con- compared to lasers. effects and complications. Maintaining
trolled clinical settings. awareness of contraindications and patient
While lasers and LEDs produce light using
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): semiconductor materials, their coherence, selection criteria is critical for successful
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directionality, spectral range, and intensity outcomes.
LLLT, known as photobiomodulation ther- differ. Lasers produce highly focused, co- Laser Pros and Cons
apy, utilizes low-power lasers or light-emit- herent, and monochromatic light, making Benefits of laser treatment include selec-
ting diodes (LEDs) with intensities typ- them ideal for precision applications, while tive and precise interaction with diseased
ically less than 500 milliwatts. LLLT is LEDs offer a broader spectral range and are tissue, reduction of bacteria and pathogens,
non-invasive and promotes tissue healing, commonly used in illumination, displays, achieving good hemostasis, disinfecting
reduces inflammation, and manages pain. and indicators. cavities, and reducing the need for needles.
It is commonly employed in dentistry for Drawbacks include cost, training, modifi-
conditions such as temporomandibular Understanding the differences between la- cation of clinical technique, accessibility
joint (TMJ) disorders, oral mucositis, and sers and LEDs is crucial for selecting the to the surgical area, tissue overheating, and
post-operative pain management. appropriate technology for specific medi- limitations in treating all dental diseases
cal, telecommunications, manufacturing, 15
HILT and LLLT have distinct applications and consumer electronics applications. optimally with a single wavelength.
and therapeutic effects in dentistry, offering Laser-Assisted Dentistry
clinicians versatile tools to address various Applications in Soft Tissue Procedures: Laser-assisted dentistry spans various ap-
dental and oral health concerns. One of the most common applications of plications: 16
lasers in dentistry is soft tissue procedures.
By understanding the ANSI classifica- Lasers are used for various tasks such as • Preventive: Dentin hypersensitivi-
tion of lasers, their diverse applications gingival sculpting, frenectomy, crown ty, pocket decontamination
in dentistry, and the differences between lengthening, and periodontal disease treat- • Operative: Decay removal, local
high-level and low-level laser therapies, ment. anesthesia, pain management
dental professionals can effectively lever- • Cosmetic: Gingivectomy, veneer
age laser technology to enhance patient The precision and minimal invasiveness of removal, depigmentation, teeth
care and treatment outcomes. laser technology offer advantages such as whitening
reduced bleeding, faster healing times, and • Pediatric: Pulpotomy (needle-free),
Difference between Laser and LED: enhanced patient comfort. 12 decay removal, frenuloplasty
Laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated • Endodontics: Root canal disinfec-
Emission of Radiation): 11 Hard Tissue Modifications: Lasers have tion and instrumentation
also found utility in hard tissue procedures, • Periodontal treatment: Scaling and
Directionality: Laser light is highly direc- including cavity preparation, caries remov- root planing, crown lengthening,
tional, forming a tight beam with minimal al, and root canal disinfection. Erbium la- gingivectomy, implant procedures
divergence. sers, particularly, are well-suited for these • Oral and maxillofacial surgery:
applications due to their ability to efficient- Incision and drainage, tooth ex-
Coherence: Laser light is coherent, with all ly interact with dental hard tissues while traction, pain management
photons oscillating in phase. minimizing damage to surrounding healthy • Pain and inflammation control:
structures. Photobiomodulation
Monochromaticity: Laser light is mono- • Prosthodontics: Tissue troughing,
chromatic, consisting of a single wave- Additionally, lasers can aid in detecting ear- soft tissue preparation for pontic
length or color. ly caries lesions, allowing for proactive in-
tervention and prevention of further decay.

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