Lasers and soft tissue: 'fixed' soft tissue surgery

Versatile Diode

“…(7,8,9) With regard to diode laser surgery, the laser handpiece tip is generally held very close to the tissue surface. This allows the laser energy to effect the incision and minimizes the build-up of debris on the tip, which can lead to unwanted thermal damage to the tissue.…”

“…This allows the laser energy to effect the incision and minimizes the build-up of debris on the tip, which can lead to unwanted thermal damage to the tissue. For most minor intra-oral surgical procedures, the recommended average power setting is in the range of 2-4 W [8].…”

“…Clinically, during 48-72 hours post-surgery, this layer becomes hydrated from saliva, swells and eventually disintegrates to later reveal an early healing bed of new tissue. [8] Additionally, gingival hyperplasia, tooth exposure and hyperpigmentation a range of gingival adaptation procedures, both to allow restorative procedures and to allow access to restorative margins during restorative procedures. [8] The laser energy will act primarily as a means of incision, excision or ablation, with the same advantages over the scalpel that were mentioned previously (no or minimal bleeding, no sutures, less chance for infection of the wound).…”

“…[8] Additionally, gingival hyperplasia, tooth exposure and hyperpigmentation a range of gingival adaptation procedures, both to allow restorative procedures and to allow access to restorative margins during restorative procedures. [8] The laser energy will act primarily as a means of incision, excision or ablation, with the same advantages over the scalpel that were mentioned previously (no or minimal bleeding, no sutures, less chance for infection of the wound). When possible, any laser surgical procedure in and around the gingival cuff should seek to preserve a biological width (the zones of connective and epithelial tissues attached to the tooth), minimum 3 mm in depth, which will help to maintain gingival margin stability, alveolar bone height and health and prevent overgrowth.…”

“…[1011,12] Power settings of 1.5-3.0 watts with intervals should be optimal for most, if not all gingival procedures. [8] Again care must be taken to avoid thermal damage to the underlying periosteum and bone, together with root surface at gingival margin levels. Therefore assessment of the thickness, vascularity and position of any target gingival tissue, together with an assessment of adjacent bone and tooth tissue, is recommended.…”