Dental Laser in The Covid-19 Era

Abstract

Despite the many historical events during the year 2020, this period of time will forever be remembered as the year of COVID-19. Since its onset in November 2019, The Sars-CoV-2 has made an enormous impact across all aspects of society across the entire world. Globally as of July 5th, 2021, there have been 184000000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, which tragically include 3980000 deaths.
 Sars-CoV-2 is spread through the respiratory system with the primary modes of transmission being aerosol, respiratory droplets, and direct contact.
 It is of great importance to understand that one of the primary modes of transmission, the aerosol (bioaerosol) mode is a mode that is omnipresent in most dental settings.
 To prevent dissemination of disease in American dental offices, the CDC and the ADA have developed strict protocols for dental care providers to follow.
 Protocols include case selection, protective equipment (PPE), Covid testing, procedure risk stratification, and reduction of aerosols. Laser-assisted dentistry has been identified as a potential key modality in the reduction of bio aerosols.

Knowledge and Practice of Dentists toward Dental Lasers and Their Use during and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Scenario in South India: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

“…55 Other advantages of dental lasers include reduced pain, minimal bleeding, sterilization of the surgical site, minimal postoperative pain and swelling, better wound healing, reduced treatment time, reduced patient anxiety, and high patient acceptance. 11 21 55 56…”

“…55 Other advantages of dental lasers include reduced pain, minimal bleeding, sterilization of the surgical site, minimal postoperative pain and swelling, better wound healing, reduced treatment time, reduced patient anxiety, and high patient acceptance. 11,21,55,56 This study provides a general outlook of dental lasers and its uses among dentists. The results of the present study reveal that postgraduates have more knowledge about the physics and the application of dental lasers.…”

“…53,54 Additionally, low-level lasers are effective in reducing bacterial and viral loads prior to the treatment, hence it can be used as a potential preprocedural tool. 55 Other advantages of dental lasers include reduced pain, minimal bleeding, sterilization of the surgical site, minimal postoperative pain and swelling, better wound healing, reduced treatment time, reduced patient anxiety, and high patient acceptance. 11,21,55,56 This study provides a general outlook of dental lasers and its uses among dentists.…”