Today, periodontists commonly use laser technology in procedures intended to improve health and re-establish the proper function of teeth and supporting structures. This post will review the lasers used in periodontics, their benefits, limitations, and common applications. Read on!Surgical Lasers
A CO2 laser is a surgical tool used during scaling and root planning procedures to remove calculus and reshape the root surface. It uses carbon dioxide gas as its energy source, making it ideal for cutting through hard tissue (bone and calculus). The laser beam is focused on a single point at a time to cut through the tissue without damaging surrounding healthy tissue or surrounding structures like nerves or blood vessels.
The benefits of using these devices include minimizing bleeding during surgery, decreasing postoperative pain, decreasing surgical time, less surgical trauma, and improving aesthetic results. Luckily, surgical lasers have no disadvantages when used with appropriate techniques and precautions by trained professionals.
Non Surgical Lasers
These lasers are used to treat gingivitis, periodontal disease, and other diseases of the mouth’s soft tissues. They are often used with scaling and root planing (SRP) or other types of non-surgical periodontal therapy. These low-power lasers do not cause tissue damage as they can be focused on small areas for precise treatment.
Since lasers can be used to remove plaque, calculus, and inflammation from around the teeth without causing bleeding or damage to the surrounding tissue, this can help prevent further infections or tooth loss. CO2 lasers are also useful for treating root surface caries (cavities) by removing the decay.
Complications of Using Lasers in Periodontic Treatments
Lasers often used in treatments do come with complications. The most common complications of using lasers in periodontics include:
Bleeding
Some patients experience a small amount of bleeding after laser therapy. For most patients though, the bleeding usually subsides within a few days.
Swelling
Swelling can occur after laser treatment but usually goes away within one week. Some swelling may last for several weeks.
Pain
Mild pain is common after laser therapy, but you should be able to manage it with over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). Contact your dentist for further instructions if your pain does not improve with these medications.
