ABSTRACT

Ankyloglossia or tongue-tie, refers to a minor anomaly in the attachment of the membrane or frenum that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth, which may interfere with normal function and mobility of the tongue. Ankyloglossia is a poorly recognized and inadequately defined condition and has been reported to cause breastfeeding difficulties, dental issues and speech problems. This article discusses assessment criterions to diagnose posterior ankylogossia and lays down treatment protocol in neonates using the Er,Cr:YSGG (Waterlase MD).

Keywords:Posterior ankyloglossia, Frenum, Tongue-tie, Frenectomy, Lasers, Er,Cr:YSGG laser.

How to Cite this article: Pradhan S, Yasmin E, Mehta A. Management of Posterior Ankyloglossia using the Er,Cr:YSGG Laser. Int J Laser Dent 2012;2(2):41-46.

Source of support: Nil

Conflict of interest: None

ABSTRACT

Today, an attractive smile is the vogue for many individuals. Gingival health and appearance are essential components for an attractive smile and removal of unsightly pigmented gingival is the need for a pleasant and confident smile. In some populations, gingival pigmentation seems to be a genetic trait and is irrespective of age and gender, hence gingival pigmentation is termed as physiologic or racial gingival pigmentation. Intraoral pigmentation is seen due to the presence of the fundamental pigment melanin that colors the tissues. Several treatment modalities have been suggested for gingival depigmentation. Many varying results have been observed, but the repigmentation has been documented to occur. The large variation in time of repigmentation may be related to the techniques used and the race of the patient. This case report demonstrates the probable cause of repigmentation where pigmentation has recurred limbs.

Keywords:Melanin, Laser, Keratinocytes, Melanocytes.

How to Cite: Doshi Y, Khandge N, Byakod G, Patil P. Management of Gingival Pigmentation with Diode Laser: Is It a Predictive Tool?. Int J Laser Dent 2012;2(1):29-32.

ABSTRACT

Peri-implant diseases are infectious diseases and a common cause of complications that may be associated with dental implant failures. With increase in numbers of implants, both newly placed and serving under function, it is necessary to achieve an understanding of the current evidence on diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic aspects of peri-implant diseases. As therapeutic modalities are still evolving and consensus regarding their predictability yet to be achieved, a thorough risk assessment and early diagnosis assume added importance. This two parts review attempts to present the current state of evidence regarding the stated aspects of peri-implant diseases including peri-implant mucositis, peri-implantitis and their treatment modalities. The first part of the series presented in this paper addresses key issues regarding the case- definition, diagnostic, etiopatholgy and risk-related aspects while the second part will address the different treatment modalities with special emphasis on the use of laser radiation for peri-implant diseases.

Keywords:Peri-implant disease, Peri-implantitis, Peri-implant mucositis, Risk factors, Diagnosis.

How to Cite: Karnik R, Pradhan S. Peri-implant Disease—A Clinical Overview (Part 1): Diagnosis, Etiopathology and Risk-Related Aspects. Int J Laser Dent 2012;2(1):18-25.

ABSTRACT
Dental soft tissue surgery by diode lasers in CW mode often causes carbonization of the tissues with following necrosis and a delay of wound healing. In vitro studies have already shown that superpulsed diode laser surgery has much less disadvantages for the tissues in histological approach. Purpose of this study was to investigate in vivo, if superpulsed mode of operation can realize an improvement for surgeon and patient in soft tissue surgery. A total of 26 patients were treated by diode lasers in different modes of operation for soft tissue surgery. Around 12 patients were treated by superpulsed Elexxion Claros diode laser: 810 nm; 10-50 W P_peak; 10-20 µs pulse duration; 12000-20000 Hz; 400 µm fiber. 14 patients were treated by Vision MDL-10 diode laser: 980 nm; 2.5 W; CW mode and also 400 µm fiber. Clinical treatment was documented by photos and questionnaires for patients and surgeons. Questions concerned: Carbonization, coagulation, cutting speed, pain, swelling, bleeding, need for drugs, functional reduction and fibrine layer on wounds-during treatment, directly after treatment, after 1 day, after 3 days and after 1 week. The clinical observations and the questionnaires showed in most cases signicant differences between CW mode and superpulsed diode laser treatment in surgery. It could be shown that superpulsed diode laser surgery is superior to continuous wave done treatment. Carbonization and thermal damage of the tissues can be reduced to a minimum, therefore healing is faster as in CW mode surgery. Generation of a soft tissue cut is faster and more precise. Patients have less pain in amount and time period. The need of drugs is reduced. There are less functional restrictions and there is less swelling. The advantages of superpulsed mode of operation for soft tissue diode laser surgery are evident. Continuous wave mode should no longer be implemented in diode laser surgery.
Keywords: Diode laser, Mode of operation, Laser surgery, Carbonization.
How to Cite
Borchers R. Comparison of Diode Lasers in Soft Tissue Surgery using CW and Superpulsed Mode: An in vivo Study. Intl J Laser Dentistry. 2011;1(1):17-27

ABSTRACT
Diode lasers are fast becoming part of contemporary clinical practice and have since opened up vistas of unprecedented patient care. However, the nuances of their functioning and mechanisms of tissue interaction have not been widely discussed or clearly elucidated. This paper assimilates the facts in literature and throws light on the basics and essentials of this technological advancement that indeed has become a boon to all walks and branches of science.
Keywords: Diode lasers, Isosbestic point, Hemostasis, LLLT.
How to Cite
Mathews MA. Diode Lasers: A Versatile Clinical Tool (A Technical and Clinical Review). Intl J Laser Dentistry. 2011;1(1):9-15

ABSTRACT

The in vitro study presented in this article was performed to evaluate the morphological changes in caries excavated dentin after using three different caries removal methods. These methods include mechanical, chemomechanical (Carisolv™) and Er, Cr: YSGG Laser (Biolase™) by means of scanning electron microscope. Extracted carious human molars were ground to flat surfaces to expose caries surrounded by sound dentin. The caries were then removed with tungsten carbide bur and airotor handpiece (G1), by chemomechanical (Carisolv™) method (G2), and by irradiation with an Er, Cr: YSGG Laser (Biolase™) unit (G3). The samples were then observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with different magnification powers (×800, ×2000 and ×5000). SEM study revealed a considerable difference in the surface characteristics of the dental tissue. The surface which was treated with Er, Cr: YSGG laser (Erbium, Chromium: Yttrium – Scandium – Gallium – Garnet) showed the best result with no residual smear layer followed by surfaces which were chemomechanically excavated with Carisolv™ gel. The treatment with mechanical method resulted in a surface with a smear layer without any micro retention. Thus, from the results obtained, it was concluded that Er, Cr: YSGG laser produced a scaly, irregular and rugged tooth surface without smear layer, which can be of highly retentive nature. Carisolv™ treated dentin showed uneven surfaces with many undermined areas. There were partially patented dentinal tubules and residues of contaminant smear layer. The dentin surfaces prepared using tungsten carbide bur and spoon excavator produced smearing and smear plugs in the tubular orifices.

Keywords:Er, Cr: YSGG Laser, Carisolv, Scanning electron microscope, Caries-affected dentin.

How to Cite: Ajilal SK, Sam RJE, Babu R, Suganthan P. Morphological Changes in the Caries Excavated Dentin Prepared by Rotary, Carisolv™ and Er, Cr: YSGG Laser (Biolase™) Instruments: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Evaluation. Int J Laser Dent 2012;2(1):1-6.

ABSTRACT
During a biopsy procedure, it is fundamental to maintain safe and readable cut margins in order to permit histological visualization of a lesion. With the advent of lasers, laser surgery has been shown to exhibit several advantages over scalpel surgery. But, there has been a considerable controversy concerning the reliability of laser biopsies and the effects of thermal damage to the edge of the laser wounds. The aim of this pilot study was to compare and evaluate the efficacy of laser biopsy to conventional method with regard to histological peripheral damage. In this study, Waterlase (Er, Cr: YSGG, 2780 nm) and Diode lasers (940 nm) at different power settings and fluences were used. In the biopsy specimens, the cut edges of the incision, when lower settings were applied, were without any adverse effects and there was no difficulty in diagnosis. But whereas in the specimens obtained using higher settings diagnosis was difficult.
Keywords: Diagnosis, Hemostasis, Histology.
How to Cite
Munisekhar MS, Reddy KM, Ahmed SA, Suri C, S Priyadarshini E. Structural and Compositional Changes of Human Root Surfaces on Exposure to Diode Laser (810 nm): An in vitro Study. Intl J Laser Dentistry. 2011;1(1):41-44

ABSTRACT
The word “Laser” is a generic for the many examples of instruments that deliver specific electromagnetic (photonic) energy. The clinician may choose one of many laser wavelengths to achieve adjunctive therapy; the success of a given laser treatment will depend upon the predictability of the interaction of photonic energy with target tissue. This paper serves to present theoretical and practical aspects of laser-tissue interaction, drawing upon evidence-based published investigation.
Keywords: Laser, Tissue, Interaction, Dentistry, Absorption.
How to Cite
Parker S. Laser: Tissue Interaction and Its Application in Clinical Dentistry. Intl J Laser Dentistry. 2011;1(1):1-8

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the surface conditioned dentin and its effect on microleakage of metal copings luted with glass-ionomer cement.

Objectives: (1) To evaluate the morphology of unconditioned and conditioned dentin, (2) to evaluate the elemental composition of unconditioned and conditioned dentin, (3) to evaluate and compare the microleakage of metal copings luted with glass-ionomer cement to unconditioned and conditioned dentin, (4) to correlate the effect of dentin conditioning on the microleakage of metal copings luted with glass ionomer cement.

Materials and methods:The surface conditioning methods utilized were GC dentin conditioner (group II), air abrasion with 50 µm aluminum oxide (group III) and Er: YAG laser at 120 mj with 10 Hz frequency (group IV). These methods were evaluated and compared with unconditioned dentin (group I) for morphological and elemental analysis using ESEM and correlated for their effect on microleakage of metal copings luted with glass Ionomer cement (Fuji I).

Results:The results of microleakage observed for each group were statistically analyzed by Leven’s test, One-way ANOVA and Schiff’s test. Unconditioned dentin (group I) showed the maximum microleakage. Er:YAG laser (group IV) irradiation with less power density showed significantly minimum microleakage compared to all other groups, followed by air abrasion (group III) and GC dentin conditioner (group II).

Conclusion:Air abrasion and Er: YAG laser conditioning showed less microleakage than surface conditioning with dentin conditioner.

Keywords:Surface conditioning, Glass ionomer cement, Er:YAG laser, Air abrasion dentin conditioner.

How to Cite: Parab S, Ram SM. An Evaluation of the Surface Condition of Dentin and Its Effect on Microleakage of Metal Copings luted with Glass Ionomer Cement: An in vitro Study. Int J Laser Dent 2012;2(1):7-17.

ABSTRACT

The word ‘LASER’ is an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Different types of lasers used in dentistry are Argon, CO², Nd:YAG (Neodium:Yttrium- Aluminum-Garnet), Diode and Er:YAG (Erbium: Yttrium- Aluminum-Garnet). Various uses of soft tissue diode lasers in periodontics are depigmentation, soft tissue crown lengthening procedure, soft tissue recontouring, hemostasis, soft tissue ablation, removal of large masses of tissue, bactericidal effects in the pockets, curettage, frenectomy and operculectomy.
The present article reports three cases of the application of soft tissue diode LASER (Fotona XD-2) ^® in Periodontics - one being gingival depigmentation and the other two of maxillary labial frenectomy. The patient of gingival depigmentation showed mild patchy repigmentation after 1 year follow-up whereas the patients of frenectomy had stable frenal attachment 6 months postoperatively

Keywords:Laser, Depigmentation, Frenectomy.

How to Cite this article: Meshram P, Yeltiwar R. The Light Touch—Application of Soft Tissue Diode LASER in Periodontics: A Report of Three Cases. Int J Laser Dent 2012;2(2):47-50.

Source of support: Nil

Conflict of interest: None