RGUHS Nat. J. Pub. Heal. Sci Vol No: 16 Issue No: 1 pISSN:
1Dr. Darsha Jain, Department of Periodontology, Maratha Mandal’s Nathajirao G Halgekar Institute of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Belagavi, Karnataka, India.
2Department of Periodontology, Maratha Mandal’s Nathajirao G Halgekar Institute of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Belagavi, Karnataka, India.
3Department of Periodontology, Maratha Mandal’s Nathajirao G Halgekar Institute of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Belagavi, Karnataka, India.
4Department of Periodontology, Maratha Mandal’s Nathajirao G Halgekar Institute of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Belagavi, Karnataka, India.
*Corresponding Author:
Dr. Darsha Jain, Department of Periodontology, Maratha Mandal’s Nathajirao G Halgekar Institute of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Belagavi, Karnataka, India., Email: darshajain5@gmail.com
Abstract
Introduction of LASER to the field of dentistry has been proved to be a boon to the dental professionals. It can be used for a variety of treatments ranging from simple procedures like removal of caries to more complex procedures such as soft and hard tissue surgeries. The reasons for its increasing demand in dentistry includes decreased operator time, enhanced efficiency and better clinical outcome. In the previous years, Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER) has also been used for haemostasis in which a “char layer” or an “eschar” is usually formed. Recently with the advancements in LASER technology and knowledge about LASER, the term LASER bandage has been proposed in which the LASER is used in the lowest settings (settings of low wattage, no water, and some air, with fewer pulses per second) to put a coating on the tissues for haemostasis, to decrease pain from an oral lesion or to make small alterations to a soft tissue surgery. Application of laser bandage after any surgical procedure decreases post-operative pain, healing period, thereby enhancing post-operative patient comfort.
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Introduction
Wound healing after any oral surgery is a complicated and active process of restoring cellular structures and gingival tissue.1 After the completion of surgical procedure, the area is covered with a surgical dressing, to lessen the possibility of post-operative infection, haemorrhage and facilitate the healing process by preventing surface trauma during mastication.2 However, they shield the tissues rather than providing a “healing factor”.3 The dressing escalates plaque formation and irritates the healing of tissues and thus, causes little damage to the periodontium due to inflammation.4,5 Therefore, obtaining new materials that provide better wound care by decreasing bacterial contamination and enhancing wound healing is essential.
Recently, Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASERs) are also considered to be a good choice for wound coverage at the surgical site.6 LASER exhibits haemostatic effect due to its “hot-tip” effect caused by heat accumulation at the end of fibre. This provides a thick coagulation layer called laser bandage (LB). Application of laser bandage after surgical procedure resulted in reduced wound contraction and scarring as LASER wound induces lesser number of myofibroblasts compared to conventional surgical technique (scalpel).6 It reduces the amount of local analgesia and the duration of intervention. Laser bandage eliminates the need for sutures, reduces post-operative oedema, bleeding, infection, pain and thus the use of medication.7 Table 1 presents the various clinical scenarios of the application of laser bandages. The parameters used for laser bandage are mentioned in Table 2. Table 3 presents the mechanism of action of laser bandages.
Advantages of Laser Bandage1
• Quicker healing
• No pain
• Enhanced revascularization
• Facilitates surface keratinization (Fibroblasts begin laying a new connective tissue beneath the epithelial seal which forms due to the migration of cells over the wound surface).
Conclusion
The findings of this review have shown that laser bandage could improve wound healing by reducing post-operative complications after any surgical procedure. With newer advances, Diode lasers, Er, Cr:YSGG and CO2 are becoming more promising both in terms of patient and dentist satisfaction. A better understanding of the novel treatment strategies will shed light on the periodontal treatment of the new era.
Conflict of Interest
None
Supporting File
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