What is it about?

This study compares traditional gum treatment of scaling teeth, to laser treatment using an erbium cold laser in the management of gum disease (periodontitis). It shows that the results achieved with laser are better, remain more stable than traditional treatment, and avoid the need for surgery.

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Why is it important?

Periodontitis (gum disease) has been linked to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and more recently have even been suggested o be linked to Alzheimers, arthritis, osteoporosis, kidney disease and many other inflammatory conditions. It is so important to treat it, to save teeth and reduce inflammation. Using a technology that seems to help treat the condition successfully, with superior results, continued improvement over a year, and less likelihood of relapse over a period of time, compared to traditional treatment of 'deep scaling' is a definite advantage, which also leads to less expense for the patient, and less likely need for the next stage which is surgery.

Perspectives

the study shows a superiority of the use of laser (erbium-chromium laser) compared to traditional non-surgical treatment of gum disease. It looks at moderate to advanced cases, where surgery is often required to stabilise a patient completely, but was not needed in any of the laser cases. The long term stability, as well as better results, particularly in back teeth, would suggest advantages to using this technology in conjunction with scaling. Patient factors such are less recession and less postoperative sensitivity have also been reported.

Dr Rana Al-Falaki
King's College London

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: The Adjunctive Use of the Erbium, Chromium: Yttrium Scandium Gallium Garnet Laser in Closed Flap Periodontal Therapy. A Retrospective Cohort Study, The Open Dentistry Journal, June 2016, Bentham Science Publishers,
DOI: 10.2174/1874210601610010298.
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