B M Shanthala
Coorg Institute of Dental Sciences, India
Title: Current uses of diode lasers in Dentistry
Biography
Biography: B M Shanthala
Abstract
Recent advance in laser technology has revolutionized the dental practice. The individual laser type owing to its physical properties and tissue interactions has range of application in dental practice. Diode laser are semiconductor lasers used for multitude application in dental procedures.
The objective o the presentation is to highlight the uses of diode lasers in dental procedures as pulpotomy medicament and canal disinfectants, in frenectomies and laser applied fluoride therapy (LAFT).
LAFT is a combination of laser irradiation combined with fluoride application. This combination improves the resistance of enamel surface to acids in the process of caries by creating the microspaces in the enamel surface and serves as the reservoirs of fluorides. This was tested by evaluating the loosely bound fluoride and the SEM evaluation of the enamel surfaces exposed to LAFT.
Diode lasers used as canal disinfectants demonstrated better antibacterial properties. In frenectomies, diode lasers demonstrated better patient satisfaction and healing as compared to conventional surgical procedures.
Diode laser as a plpotomy medicament demonstrated better pulpal response by maintaining the integrity of odontoblastic layer, reduced inflammation and necrosis when compared to formocresol.
In conclusion, diode laser has proven to have a multitude of application in preventive and restorative procedures and in diagnosis of caries.