Lasers in Periodontology

The main goal in the treatment of periodontitis is the removal of subgingival biofilm, bacterial endotoxins, and calculus, which are localized in the hard tissues, such as cementum, enamel, and exposed dentin. Dental lasers may contribute to the field of periodontology, where other types of therapy and protocols cannot achieve the best clinical outcome. There are two terms important for laser-assisted periodontal therapy: laser decontamination, which defines bacteria reduction within the inflamed periodontium, implant surfaces, and the beneficial effects in the biofilm; and laser coagulation, which means sealing of the blood vessels, capillaries, and lymphatic vessels in the inflamed tissues after laser decontamination. Specifically, the following aims should be considered in the application of lasers during periodontal therapy: bacteria reduction in the periodontal pockets, removal of dental calculus and subgingival hard deposits, root planning, removal of periodontal pocket epithelium and inflamed granulation tissue, retardation of the epithelial downgrowth in the defect.