The AAP commissioned a review of the literature on the use of lasers in periodontics to help clinicians better understand the clinical applications of this technology....

AAP Releases Comprehensive Review on Use of Lasers in Periodontics

Review will help clinicians identify appropriate uses of lasers in periodontal care.

CHICAGO – April 4, 2006 – The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) commissioned a review of the literature on the use of lasers in periodontics to help clinicians better understand the clinical applications of this emerging technology. Lasers in Periodontics: A Review of the LiteratureCan't open this? Download Acrobat Reader was published in the Journal of Periodontology.

“The increase in promotion of the use of lasers in periodontics has prompted many questions from periodontists, general practitioners and patients,” said Kenneth A. Krebs, DMD and AAP president. “This paper will help clinicians sort through the hype and identify the appropriate use of this technology in providing periodontal care.”

“The topic of lasers has been condensed to a ‘to-use’ or ‘not-to-use’ debate,” explained paper author Charles M. Cobb, DDS, and AAP member. “The issue is really more complicated than that. Each laser has a different wavelength. These various wavelengths can accomplish different things, however, damage to periodontal tissues can result depending on the wavelength and power, and the periodontal procedure that the laser was used to perform. This paper will help clinicians develop an evidence-based approach to the use of lasers in periodontal treatment.”

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is is an 8,000-member professional organization for periodontists - specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistry’s experts in the treatment of oral inflammation and receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school. Periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

Find out if you are at risk for periodontal diseases by taking the Academy’s risk assessment test. Referral to a periodontist in your area is available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP's website at www.perio.org.

For more information, contact the AAP Public Affairs Department at meg@perio.org or 312/573-3242.

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