Lasers in Periodontal Treatment

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dr. Eric Linden on August 17, 2009 at 5:24pm

I have been practicing Periodontics since 1985. I am currently using a FDA cleared protocol called LANAP for many of my periodontal cases. At the current time, my partner and I have over 500 cases documented with radiographs and clinical photos.

Anybody out there interested to discuss this further...or have any questions, please comment.

Thanks..

Eric Linden

Permalink Reply by Dr. Eric Linden on August 17, 2009 at 5:27pm

see reply below regarding laser therapy

Permalink Reply by john McAllister on September 16, 2009 at 3:44am

Hello Dr Linden I am very interested in further discussion.

What results have you found?

Permalink Reply by Cary Feuerman, DMD on November 22, 2009 at 11:13am

There are many things to know about lasers. First, not all lasers do the same things. Some are approved only for soft tissue applications, and some for both hard tissue (teeth, bone) and soft tissue applications. The differences are determined by the wavelength of the energy, and, in some cases, the specific treatment protocol. You should read the FDA clearances for each laser. For example, the "LANAP" (laser assisted new attachment procedure) is a specific for the Millennium Dental Technologies laser. The Biolase Waterlase MD also recently received FDA clearance for "Deep Pocket Therapy with New Attachment". Both claim to assist in new attachment of periodontal structures to natural teeth.

Check out the most recent American Dental Association position statement on the use of lasers in dentistry. The American Academy of Periodontology has consumer information about dental lasers, as well. This information is a bit outdated, in my opinion. Based upon my personal experience at the recent AAP meeting in Boston, I would assume that the consumer information will be updated in the near future as new research papers are published.

A quick overview chart of a few of the lasers can be found below and at AMD lasers. They have introduced a relatively inexpensive "Picasso" laser. They are also a good source for some clinical articles, as other the other major laser manufacturers.

Hope this helps. Keep the discussion going!

Chart:

Permalink Reply by john McAllister on March 1, 2010 at 7:57pm

Yes I agree with you the ADA and AAPposition on LANAP is completely outdated.

Cary Feuerman, DMD said:

There are many things to know about lasers. First, not all lasers do the same things. Some are approved only for soft tissue applications, and some for both hard tissue (teeth, bone) and soft tissue applications. The differences are determined by the wavelength of the energy, and, in some cases, the specific treatment protocol. You should read the FDA clearances for each laser. For example, the "LANAP" (laser assisted new attachment procedure) is a specific for the Millennium Dental Technologies laser. The Biolase Waterlase MD also recently received FDA clearance for "Deep Pocket Therapy with New Attachment". Both claim to assist in new attachment of periodontal structures to natural teeth.

Check out the most recent American Dental Association position statement on the use of lasers in dentistry. The American Academy of Periodontology has consumer information about dental lasers, as well. This information is a bit outdated, in my opinion. Based upon my personal experience at the recent AAP meeting in Boston, I would assume that the consumer information will be updated in the near future as new research papers are published.

A quick overview chart of a few of the lasers can be found below and at AMD lasers. They have introduced a relatively inexpensive "Picasso" laser. They are also a good source for some clinical articles, as other the other major laser manufacturers.

Hope this helps. Keep the discussion going!

Chart: