Getting Started With Lasers in Hygiene

Lasers are an emerging medical technology. In dentistry, they provide enhanced treatment options through advanced capabilities, especially in regard to management of periodontal disease. Diode lasers can be used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing. Thus, lasers fit well in a hygiene protocol. Basic knowledge of laser science topics, including possible bactericidal effects and healing properties, is necessary to understand the impact of laser technology in dentistry. Implementing lasers in the dental practice can lead to happier and healthier patients. The author concludes that clinicians can effectively incorporate laser use into their office procedures by conceptualizing important factors such as the oral-systemic impact of periodontal disease and laser-tissue interaction.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Discuss the basic principles of the science and technology of lasers.

• Discuss the healing properties and bactericidal effects of soft-tissue diode lasers.

• Discuss the use of lasers as an adjunct to scaling and root planing.

About the Author

Jennifer Tumlinson, RDH
Pacific Dental Services practice, Katy, Texas