A few dental reps. approached me to buy their expensive dental lasers. I was told that they were a great tool for treating periodontal disease. After listening to their sales talk and marketing, I decided to do a bit of my own research. I discovered that the use of lasers in treating periodontal disease remains controversial. Published dental literature indicates that the best way to stop and control periodontitis is by effectively removing toxins and calculus from the affected root surface. Currently, there is minimal evidence to support the benefit of using lasers to debride root surfaces.
According to a statement made by the American Academy of Periodontology, the use of lasers as an adjunct to scaling and root planning, has little to no benefit, beyond scaling and root planning alone. So far, dental studies suggest that the best way to control and treat periodontitis is by effectively debriding root surfaces, and not by removing the soft tissue lining of the pocket (which is what most lasers do and is called curettage).
According to the evidence, lasers do not reduce more bacteria in a subgingival pocket, than a scaling and root planning. According to the AAP the Er:yag laser is the only laser that can remove calculus (tartar) and minimise endotoxins, but it has the potential to damage the root surface in the process. For more information see the statement posted on the website of the American Academy of Periodontology.
I have come to the conclusion that dental lasers need a lot of improvement, before they can replace the scaler and the dental drill. When the benefits are greater than the side effects, I will definately invest in one!
Dr Elena Demetriou
Dentist Kato Paphos Cyprus
