Clinical applications of lasers in conventional periodontal care

Abstract

Periodontal (gum) diseases present one of the main threats to oral and general health; they are very prevalent across the globe and, if left untreated, lead to tooth loss, with a significant impact on the quality of life. In addition, the impact of gum infection and inflammation on diabetes and cardiovascular disease complications has been well documented. Having in mind the key role of bacteria and the host’s immune response in the development of periodontal diseases but also the subgingival niche anatomy that complicates the adequate management of the dental biofilm and post-treatment healing, the field of periodontics is open to new or additional therapeutic methods that would complement the conventional approaches to periodontal care. Lasers were one of the first instruments used for photon therapy in dentistry due to their ability to emit a collimated, coherent light beam with monochromatic and synchronous wavelengths. We reviewed here the possibilities of the application and therapeutic effects of lasers during the initial phase of periodontal therapy using Er:YAG, Nd:YAG, CO2, and diode lasers. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to summarize the use of lasers and their clinical effects as adjuncts to the conventional, nonsurgical treatment of patients with periodontitis and to facilitate a scientific debate on this under-researched and controversial field of dental care.