Verifiable CPD paper: Low-level laser use in dentistry

doi:doi:10.1038/bdj.2007.75

British Dental Journal 202, 131 - 138 (2007)
doi:10.1038/bdj.2007.75

Subject Category: Lasers

Verifiable CPD paper:
Low-level laser use in dentistry

S. Parker¹

Low-level, non-cutting lasers are commonly used in many areas of general medicine and veterinary practice.
Their use in treating pathology is based on photobiostimulation, in which laser energy is absorbed by inter- and intra-cellular targets, resulting in a secondary stimulation of tissue healing mechanisms.
In dentistry, a number of clinical conditions affecting the teeth and jaws may be amenable to low-level laser therapy.
Photo-dynamic therapy, where a drug or chemical is introduced and activated by laser light, can be used in dentistry to treat bacterial infection in endodontics and periodontology.
Additional uses of low-level laser light include caries detection and scanning techniques in orthodontics and restorative dentistry.

Lasers in dentistry

Introduction, history of lasers and laser light production
Laser-tissue interaction
Low-level laser use in dentistry
Lasers and soft tissue: 'loose' soft tissue surgery
Lasers and soft tissue: 'fixed' soft tissue surgery
Lasers and soft tissue: periodontal therapy
Surgical laser use in implantology and endodontics
Surgical lasers and hard dental tissue
Laser regulation and safety in general dental practice

The use of laser light at power levels below that capable of direct tissue change (protein denaturation, water vaporisation and tissue ablation), has been advocated in diverse branches of medicine and veterinary practice, yet its acceptance in general dental practice remains low. However, the scope for using low-level laser light (LLLT) has emerged through many applications, either directly or indirectly tissue-related, in delivering primary dental care. The purpose of this article is to explain the mechanisms of action and to explore the uses of this group of lasers in general dental practice.

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