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Running head: LASER IN DENTISTRY

Laser in Dentistry

In partial fulfillment for

DHYG 432 Theory & Practice VII

Yezi Pang

June 4, 2020
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LASER IN DENTISTRY

Laser in Dentistry

The term LASER stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. It is a

device that produces light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated

emission of electromagnetic radiation. Laser energy is produced when an excited atom becomes

stimulated and emits a photon, which generates a coherent, focused, concentrated

monochromatic ray of light (Renee Graham, personal communication, May 28, 2020).

According to Ms. Renee Graham, the laser energy used in dentistry is to cut and

decontaminate targeted tissues and also to produce photobiomudulation effect on the targeted

tissues. Laser surgical applications include frenectomy, crown lengthening, gingivectomy, and

implant exposure. Some other applications include producing hemostasis and biostimulation

effect on targeted tissue and reducing bacteria (Renee Graham, personal communication, May

28, 2020). Regarding dental hygiene applications, producing biostimulation effort is the primary

purpose of applying laser as an adjunctive therapy to conventional scaling and root planning.

According to Ms. Renee Graham, laser stimulates tissue healing and regeneration and improves

clinical attachment level and bone growth in some cases (R. Graham, personal communication,

May 28, 2020).

Overall, the presentation was very informative. I like the idea of implementing laser in

dental procedures because laser has been approved to perform very precise cut and tissue

removal with minimal invasion. However, I am not sure how effective and safe laser is when

used subgingivally as an adjunctive therapy to conventional scaling and root planning.

According to a study published by the American Academy of Periodontology in 2018, laser

therapy produces a modest additional benefit (< 1 mm) in clinical improvement in probing depth

and clinical attachment level (CAL) compared with traditional forms of periodontal therapy in
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LASER IN DENTISTRY

the treatment of moderate to severe chronic and aggressive forms of periodontitis. It also states

there is no adequate evidence to support that laser therapy produces any long-term benefits (>48

months) (Mills et al., 2018).

Although anecdotal evidences suggest the benefits of laser in reducing pocket depth and

stimulate tissue regeneration, more studies are needed to further understand and evaluate the

benefits of using laser as an adjunctive therapy to conventional scaling and root planing. As a

result, we should inform patients about the facts and limitations of laser therapy and help patients

make informed decision on whether or not to include laser therapy in the treatment plan. In terms

of technique, I do not feel comfortable using it on patients without a systematic hands-on

training. University of Washington School of Dentistry and Washington American Dental

Hygiene Association co-host a continuing education on laser certification training. This is the

website http://wsdha.com/index.php?src=events&srctype=detail&refno=499&id=499. If I were

to implement laser into my practice, I would definitely attend this training. I am not sure whether

or not I will be using laser in the future; however, I like technology and I will keep my mind

open.
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LASER IN DENTISTRY

References

Mills, M. P., Rosen, P. S., Chambrone, L., Greenwell, H., Kao, R. T., Klokkevold, P. R., …

Wang, H. L. (2018). American Academy of Periodontology best evidence consensus

statement on the efficacy of laser therapy used alone or as an adjunct to non-surgical and

surgical treatment of periodontitis and peri-implant diseases. Journal of

Periodontology, 89(7), 737–742. doi: 10.1002/jper.17-0356

Washington Dental Hygiene Association. (2020, June 4). "Beam Me Up" - Laser Certification

Training. http://wsdha.com/index.php?src=events&srctype=detail&refno=499&id=499