Lasers and soft tissue: 'loose' soft tissue surgery

doi:doi:10.1038/bdj.2007.128

British Dental Journal 202, 185 - 191 (2007)
doi:10.1038/bdj.2007.128

Lasers and soft tissue: 'loose' soft tissue surgery

S. Parker¹

A range of 'loose' (non-bound to the muco-periosteal complex) soft tissue pathologies are amenable to treatment with surgical lasers.
Laser-assisted surgery should follow strict guidelines of 'best practice' approach, as employed in conventional therapies.
Laser-assisted surgical sites heal by secondary intention.
In comparison to scalpel incisions, laser cutting heals no faster, but may be more predictable through the control of bleeding and bacterial contamination.

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

Oral soft tissue is composed of collagen, water, pigmented connective tissue, blood and lymphatic vessels. In that each may be considered target chromophores, all commercially available laser wavelengths in dentistry will interact with these component elements to a greater or lesser extent. What is of prime importance is that consideration is given to the predominant chromophore in any target tissue and the laser wavelength matched to achieve maximum absorption of light energy. Laser surgery can offer haemostasis, fewer post-operative complications and greater patient acceptance. This article examines the common 'loose' soft tissue management procedures in general dental practice and how the use of lasers can enable the clinician to deliver responsible care.

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