Soft Tissue Lasers - Gingivectomy
THE NEXT DDS
Soft Tissue Lasers - Gingivectomy
When fibrous tissue develops around teeth and prevents proper tooth emergence into the dental arch, lasers may be used to remove the excess fibrous tissue. During orthodontic treatment, some pediatric patients experience hypertrophy of gingival tissue. This condition usually results from poor oral hygiene or mouth breathing. Lasers can easily remove excess tissue and restore the proper gingival contour. Lasers may also be required for patients who are prescribed certain drugs that cause gingival hyperplasia as a common side effect.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this video, the viewer should:
- Understand a new procedure which can be performed using a soft tissue laser.
- Know the steps and guidelines for performing a gingivectomy with a soft tissue laser.
Related Reading:
- Pang P. Lasers in cosmetic dentistry. Gen Dent. 2008 Nov-Dec;56(7):663-70; quiz 671-2, 767.
- Bittner G, Hemmeti S. Smile enhancement via all-ceramic restorations and hard/soft tissue laser contouring. Pract Proced Aesthet Dent. 2007 Mar;19(2):89-91.
- Benjamin SD. Dental lasers: Part 2. Soft tissue laser applications. Pract Proced Aesthet Dent. 2002 May;14(4):328-30.
- Benjamin SD. Lasers in the dental office: treatment considerations for hard and soft tissue contouring. Pract Proced Aesthet Dent. 2003 Mar;15(2):156.
- Kusek ER. Tissue-punch technique in nonattached tissue using the YSGG laser. Dent Today. 2009 Jan;28(1):132, 134-5.
- Spitz SD. Lasers in prosthodontics: clinical realities of a dental laser in a prosthodontic practice. Alpha Omegan. 2008 Dec;101(4):188-94.
- Coleton SH. The use of lasers in periodontal therapy. Alpha Omegan. 2008 Dec;101(4):181-7.
- Magid KS, Strauss RA. Laser use for esthetic soft tissue modification. Dent Clin North Am. 2007 Apr;51(2):525-45, xi.
- Parker S. Lasers and soft tissue: 'fixed' soft tissue surgery. Br Dent J. 2007 Mar 10;202(5):247-53.