This technique improves phase I periodontal therapy and is used as an adjunct to traditional scaling and root planning in order to reduce pocket depths.
Advantages
This allows for a non-surgical approach, gaining easier access to deeper calculus deposits after ablation of diseased epithelium and hemorrhage control. Technique and Laser Settings
After performing full periodontal probing and establishing case type, administer local anesthetic as needed. Utilizing the previous probing depths, set the fiber length to the maximum pocket depth for the tooth to be treated. Initiate the fiber and set the laser in continuous mode with a power setting of 0.4 - 0.6 Watts. Each tooth will require a treatment time of 10-30 seconds. Utilize a light paint brush stroke while moving the fiber from the base of the pocket to the coronal portion. Be sure that you are aiming the laser fiber toward the lining of the epithelium and not the root surface. This technique will remove some of the diseased epithelium. Now perform scaling and root planning therapy with micro-ultrasonic and sharp hand- instruments. Many times light, fresh bleeding will occur. Provide proper oral hygiene and post-operative instruction. Inform the patient that the area may be tender and bleed when brushing and flossing for approximately 3 days. Appoint the patient for follow-up care.
