CHICAGO, Illinois – The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) commissioned a review of the literature on the use of lasers in periodontics to help clinicians better understand the clinical applications of this emerging technology. Lasers in Periodontics: A Review of the Literature Can't open this PDF page? Download Acrobat Reader appears in this month's issue of the Journal of Periodontology.

“The increase in promotion of the use of lasers in periodontics has prompted many questions from periodontists, general practitioners and patients,” said Kenneth A. Krebs, DMD and AAP president. “This paper will help clinicians sort through the hype and identify the appropriate use of this technology in providing periodontal care.”

“The topic of lasers has been condensed to a ‘to-use’ or ‘not-to-use’ debate,” explained paper author Charles M. Cobb, DDS, and AAP member. “The issue is really more complicated than that. Each laser has a different wavelength. These various wavelengths can accomplish different things, however, damage to periodontal tissues can result depending on the wavelength and power, and the periodontal procedure that the laser was used to perform. This paper will help clinicians develop an evidence-based approach to the use of lasers in periodontal treatment.”

A referral to a local periodontist and free brochure samples including one titled Periodontal Surgery: What Can I Expect? are available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP's Web site at www.perio.org.

The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

SOURCE: American Academy of Periodontology

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