Applications of diode laser in periodontal therapy ­ clinical guidelines and tips / Aplicações do laser de diodo na terapia periodontal ­ Orientações e dicas clínicas

Os lasers de diodo tornaram-se ferramentas clínicas populares devido ao seu tamanho compacto, acessibilidade, facilidade de uso e versatilidade. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar as diversas aplicações de um laser de diodo na prática diária e destacar os aspectos técnicos do uso do laser de diodo para o mesmo. Esta série de casos relata o manejo de seis diferentes situações clínicas com laser de diodo: anquiloglossia, bolsa periodontal, zênites gengivais desiguais, mucocele, hipersensibilidade dentinária e gengiva hiperpigmentada. Os pacientes foram tratados com laser de diodo de 940 nm com potência de 0,5 W a 2 W dependendo do caso. A cicatrização pós-operatória transcorreu sem intercorrências na maioria dos casos e foram observados resultados favoráveis. O laser de diodo ofereceu vantagens cirúrgicas como ­ campo seco, desinfecção do sítio cirúrgico e cirurgia sem sutura. Além disso, os autores observaram melhor satisfação do paciente devido à mínima dor ou edema pós-operatório e alívio imediato em caso de hipersensibilidade dentinária. Este artigo apresenta as aplicações cirúrgicas e não cirúrgicas do laser de diodo juntamente com os aspectos técnicos. Embora a literatura disponível não forneça evidências substanciais para comparação direta do laser de diodo com as técnicas convencionais, é seguro concluir que o laser de diodo é uma ferramenta eficiente para uso rotineiro em odontologia.(AU)

The diode lasers have become popular clinical tools because of their compact size, affordability, ease of use and versatility. The aim of this paper is to put forth the various applications of a diode laser in day to day practice and highlight the technical aspects of diode laser use for the same. This case series reports management of six different clinical situations with diode laser namely ­ ankyloglossia, periodontal pocket, unequal gingival zeniths, mucocele, dentinal hypersensitivity and hyper-pigmented gingiva. The patients were treated with 940 nm diode laser with power settings from 0.5 W to 2 W depending on the case. The post-operative healing was uneventful in most cases and favourable outcomes were observed. The diode laser offered surgical advantages like ­ dry field, disinfection of surgical site and suture-less surgery. In addition, the authors observed better patient satisfaction owing to minimal post-operative pain or swelling and immediate relief in case of dentinal hypersensitivity. This paper presents both surgical and non-surgical applications of diode laser along with the technical aspects. Even though the available literature does not lend substantial evidence for direct comparison of diode laser with conventional techniques, it is safe to conclude that diode laser is an efficient tool for routine use in dentistry.(AU)

Comparative efficacy of two treatment modalities for dentinal hypersensitivity: A clinical trial.

Background: Dentin hypersensitivity is a recurrent condition causing discomfort and sometimes pain to the patient, which also deters him from maintaining adequate oral hygiene. Home care and office measures are used for treatment of this malady. Aim: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of 2 treatment modalities for dentinal hypersensitivity, iontophoresis with acidulated phosphate gel (APF) gel, and dentin-bonding agent application. Materials and Methods: This split mouth randomized clinical study recruited subjects with a history of hypersensitivity with at least 2 teeth, verified by a light stroke with a dental explorer along the cervical third of the teeth. The patients were subjected to a 1-s air blast and cold water stimuli and their responses were recorded on a verbal rating scale. A total of 30 sites from 15 patients were divided into Group A-1.23% APF gel iontophoresis; and Group B-aqueous solution of hydroxyl-ethyl-methacrylate and glutaraldehyde. The teeth were evaluated immediately after the treatment and at the end of 2 weeks. In case of failure, the tooth was retreated with the same agent as before. Results: The results were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney U tests. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups at the end of 2 weeks. However, Group A was more effective clinically, with fewer number of failures compared with Group B. Conclusion: Both the agents showed a statistically significant reduction in sensitivity compared with baseline; however, APF gel iontophoresis was more effective in reducing hypersensitivity over a longer time period.

Dentinal hypersensitivity?--Can this agent be the solution?

AIM: To test the efficacy of desensitizing tooth paste containing EMS salts in alleviating dentinal hypersensitivity, reducing plaque accumulation, and reducing gingivitis. METHODS: A randomised, single blind, parallel placebo controlled study was conducted in 40 cases. The cases were randomly assigned to test and control groups. The test group was instructed to use the test tooth paste (containing EMS salts) and control group a placebo tooth paste (without any therapeutic agents) for a period of 6 weeks. The hypersensitivity levels were measured with scratchometer and verbal rating scale. Student t test and wilcoxon's Mann-Whitney test were used to compare the test and control groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The results indicated that both the test as well as the control toothpastes were effective in alleviating dentinal hypersensitivity as well as reducing gingivitis. However, the test toothpaste was superior in alleviation of dentinal hypersensitivity.