Journal of Dental Lasers

CASE REPORT
Year
: 2017  |  Volume : 11  |  Issue : 1  |  Page : 19--21

Diode laser: A novel approach for the treatment of pericoronitis


Mohammad Arif Khan1, Abhishek Agrawal2, Charanjeet Singh Saimbi1, Deepti Chandra1, Vasu Kumar3,  
1 Department of Periodontology, Career P.G. Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
2 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Raipur Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chattisgarh, India
3 Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Career P.G. Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

Correspondence Address:
Mohammad Arif Khan
Department of Periodontology, Career P.G. Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
India

Abstract

The laser is a less-invasive method compared with the conventional techniques because it produces little cell destruction and less bleeding due to its hemostatic properties and requires the patient a reduced number of sessions and less chairside time for the most applications.



How to cite this article:
Khan MA, Agrawal A, Saimbi CS, Chandra D, Kumar V. Diode laser: A novel approach for the treatment of pericoronitis.J Dent Lasers 2017;11:19-21


How to cite this URL:
Khan MA, Agrawal A, Saimbi CS, Chandra D, Kumar V. Diode laser: A novel approach for the treatment of pericoronitis. J Dent Lasers [serial online] 2017 [cited 2024 Mar 28 ];11:19-21
Available from: http://www.jdentlasers.org/text.asp?2017/11/1/19/208941


Full Text

 Introduction



The term laser is an acronym for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.” A laser is a device consisting of solid, liquid, or gaseous substances which produce a light beam when stimulated by a source of energy

Based on Albert Einstein's theory of spontaneous and stimulated emission of radiation, Maiman was first introduced laser in 1960.[1]

An operculum is a flap of gingival tissue that presents typically distal to a molar area which hinders the eruption of the third molar and leads to pocket formation due to the accumulation of plaque and food debris between the tooth surface and the gingival flap.

Several studies reported that laser has the ability to ablate hard tissues with minimal anesthesia,[2],[3] reduce bacterial counts in root canals,[4],[5] and provide coagulation of soft tissues.[6]

However, there are various lasers available that can be used in periodontics such as ruby, Nd:YAG, CO2, Ho:YAG, Er:YAG, Er, Cr:YSGG, Nd:YAP, argon, and diode. Here, we report a case of pericoronitis which was treated by diode lasers (wavelength 980 nm).

 Case Report



A 24-year-old male reported to the Outpatient Department of Periodontology at Career P.G. Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, with chief complaint of pain in the left back tooth region of the lower jaw for 1 year. His intraoral examination revealed that there was partially erupted mandibular third molar with inflamed pericoronal flap distal to third molar area was found [Figure 1]. On the basis of clinical findings, diagnosis of pericoronitis was made and to remove the pericoronal flap, and operculectomy procedure was planned.{Figure 1}

The patient was informed about the procedure, but the patient was apprehensive of conventional surgical operculectomy procedure. Hence, to release the patient stress, diode lasers were selected for the management of pericoronitis.

Surgical procedure

After holding the inflamed pericoronal flap with suturing thread, excision of inflamed pericoronal flap was done under topical anesthesia with diode laser (980 nm) [Figure 2] and exposed the crown of tooth [Figure 3] which clear the path of eruption of the third molar, and there was no need of suture. No postoperative complications were created, and the healing was satisfactory and uneventfully [Figure 4]. The patient was satisfied with functional movement such as mastication.{Figure 2}{Figure 3}{Figure 4}

 Discussion



The laser has a strong power against bacteria thus encouraging decontamination and anti-inflammatory action while using it and also its fiber provide better access, clean, and clear operating field.

Goldman et al. were introduced the first application of a laser to dental tissue in 1964 (ruby laser).[7],[8] However, the current relationship of dentistry with the laser inspired from an article published in 1985 by Myers and Myers which introduced the removal of dental caries in vivo using a modified ophthalmic Nd:YAG laser.[9]

However, Lasers used in dentistry having different type of wavelengths which are delivered as either a continuous, pulsed (gated), or running pulse waveform. Hence, the effect of laser light on target tissue is dependent on its wavelength, which is determined by the lasing medium inside the laser device.[10]

Several studies have been shown that the diode laser (wavelength between 800-980 nm) is beneficial for several soft-tissue procedures due to its high absorption properties in hemoglobin; this lead to coagulate, ablate, or vaporize the target tissue.[11] Another advantage of laser when performed surgical procedures is the sealing of small blood and lymphatic vessels, resulting reduced postoperative edema and disinfection of target tissue due to local heating. However, in orthodontics, operculectomy is performed to clear the pathway for molar eruption (even in the absence of pain) and gain access to the tooth for banding or bonding purposes. This case was successfully treated with diode laser, and the patient was satisfied with the result.

 Conclusion



Diode lasers are effective measures to reducing conventional surgical problems such as pain, bleeding etc. but due to lack of evidence-based studies about therapeutic effects and efficiencies of diode lasers, more longitudinal studies are required before lasers can become a routine armamentarium during periodontal procedures.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

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