Premium
The Laser Gingivectomy: The Use of the CO 2 Laser for the Removal of Phenytoin Hyperplasia
Author(s) -
Pick Robert M.,
Pecaro Bernard C.,
Silberman Charles J.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
journal of periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.036
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1943-3670
pISSN - 0022-3492
DOI - 10.1902/jop.1985.56.8.492
Subject(s) - gingivectomy , phenytoin , medicine , laser , dentistry , carbon dioxide laser , hyperplasia , surgery , laser surgery , optics , epilepsy , physics , psychiatry
A new technique for the removal of phenytoin hyperplasia using the carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) surgical laser is presented as well as a review of laser physics and the current uses of the CO 2 laser in dentistry. Twelve cases of phenytoin hyperplasia removed surgically by the CO 2 laser are presented; hence a laser gingivectomy. Advantages of the procedure include lack of hemorrhage yielding a dry field, noncontact surgery, sterilization of the surgical area, prompt healing, minimal post operative discomfort, and minimal time spent to perform the procedure. At the present time the use of the laser in dentistry is new and limited. In the future the laser may offer an alternative or an advancement to current procedures now used in dentistry.