Current Status of Using Dental Lasers for the Treatment of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases

Sunday, Oct. 28
2:30 - 5 p.m.

Program Track: Treatment of Periodontal Diseases and Peri-Implant Diseases
Moderators: Yasushi Furuichi and Ron Nevins
Speakers: Akira Aoki, Charles M. Cobb, and Hom-Lay Wang

Dental lasers have emerged as an adjunct tool in the management of periodontal and peri-implant related diseases. This presentation highlights the differences among various lasers and presents current evidence and understanding related to dental lasers.

Topics include: the benefit of laser mediated curettage; are lasers more effective than scaling and root planing (SRP) at reducing the subgingival bacterial load; how predictable is laser mediated periodontal regeneration; and, how reliable is the body of peer reviewed evidence?

Educational Objectives:
• Explain the protocol of applying for periodontal and periimplant disease treatment.
• Identify the limitations of research regarding laser treatment of the periodontium.
• Review methods of treatment including irradiation parameters.