Advanced Applications of the Er:YAG Laser in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Abstract

The reason for this transition is simple: many procedures can be executed more efficiently and with less morbidity using lasers when compared with scalpel, electrocautery or high frequency devices. Onisor [12] performed an in vitro study using Er: YAG and CO 2 laser for crown lengthening, gingivoplasty and maxillary labial frenectomy. The same authors [12] concluded that Er: YAG is able to provide good cutting and coagulation effects on soft tissues. Specific parameters have to be defined for each laser in order to obtain the desired effect. Reduced or absent water spray, defocused light beam, local anesthesia and use of long pulses are important in order to obtain optimal coagulation and bleeding control. Kaya [13] described a case of pyogenic granuloma around an implant seven years after its insertion which they treated by use of Er: YAG laser. Türer [14] compared Er: YAG laser to the scalpel in the preparation of the recipient site for free gingival grafts. The same authors [14] stated that Er: YAG laser may be used with similar effectiveness as the scalpel for this purpose. Laser surgery has emerged as an established method in advanced medicine. Laser-induced remote tissue treatment provides a number of advantages: controllable coagulation and cutting of surgical tissues with wavelength tissue-specific cutting efficiency [15].

Diode laser or scalpel: A comparison of the two “Cutting Edge” surgical tools in maxillofacial surgery

“…Laser poses a "non-threatening" aesthetic to the patient with its slim and fine tip and therefore patients are more at ease during laser surgery than scalpel operations where patients are intimidated by the sharpness of the instrument and perceive the procedure as a painful one. Reduced postoperative pain has been observed in the laser-treated groups in a multitude of research such as the ones conducted by Ahad et al, 9 Qafmolla et al, 10 Gabric et al, 19 Patel et al, 17 Bhatsange et al 2 and Shahnaz et al 12 Kashyap et al 18 have stated that although the mechanism of analgesic effects of laser therapy is not well understood, an increased pain threshold through the alteration of neuronal stimulation and firing pattern, and the inhibition of the medullary reflexes are thought to be involved. In addition, the laser effect is seen in prostaglandin synthesis, resulting in an increased conversion of prostaglandin G2 and prostaglandin H2 into prostaglandin I2 (prostacyclin).…”

Efficacy Of Erb-Laser on inferior turbinate hypertrophy: a retrospective cohort study

“…This laser is indicated for both soft tissues and ablation of hard tissues.Irradiation causes the development of micro bursts by converting the water within the tissue into steam. [ 8 ]…”

“…In addition to aforementioned characteristics, Erb: YAG lasers cause almost no intraoperative and post-operative pain because of the sealing effect on sensory nerve endings. [ 8 ]…”

Randomized comparative study in the treatment of oral leucoplakia with laser and conventional surgery

“…The precise guiding and dosing of the laser beams allows the performance of lesion ablation without any coagulation effects in the surrounding tissues. Moreover they have shown low induction of inflammatory reactions and more rapid healing [4,9,14].…”

“…The specific causative factors of leukoplakia are still unknown; however, it is known that smoking/chewing tobacco as well as the alcohol abuse that would act synergistically with tobacco, trauma, electrogalvanic reactions, UV radiation, infestations as candidiasis, syphilis and human papillomavirus (HPV) are closely linked to the progression of leukoplakia [4][5][6][7].…”