Application of Diode Laser in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Chapter 13
Application of Diode Laser in Oral and Maxillofacial

Surgery
Dragana Gabrić Pandurić, Ivona Bago,

Irina Filipović Zore, Mato Sušić, Davor Katanec,
Aleksandar Milenović and Vanja Vučićević Boras
Additional information is available at the end of the chapter
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/52404
1. Introduction
The application of light for processing materials was first described by Arristophanes in his
comedy ''The clouds“ 423 B.C. In the 2500 years that passed until the laser was invented,
light had been used both for processing material and for medical purposes in various ways.
But only the laser has paved the path for widespread therapeutic use of optical radiation [1].
In 1917, Albert Einstein put forward a theory of ''stimulated emission'' stating that photons
could ''stimulate'' the emission of another photon that would possess identical properties to
the first [2]. The early developments of laser research started from the USA and Soviet Un‐
ion in 1958. Townes and Schawlow worked to establish the principles that led to the devel‐
opment of the LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) [3, 4]. In
1960, Theodore Maiman demonstrated the first practical laser with a ruby crystal stimulated
by a flashlamp and mirrors to amplify the lasing action. The beam had a deep red colour
with a wavelength of 694nm [5]. When Maiman discovered the laser effect it was very diffi‐
cult for him to have this discovery published in a renowned journal because no one seemed
to be aware of its significance. Since the presentation of the first laser, many more materials
have been discovered that are capable of producing laser light. Due to the physical particu‐
larities of the laser effect, it was not long until the wide array of possible applications were
realized. It took several decades to develop reliable, appropriately designed lasers for rou‐
tine use in medicine and as well as other applications [1, 6]. To understand the applications
of laser surgery, it is necessary to know the fundamental principles of laser light. Laser is a
special light source because in general it has higher power and a better beam quality and
coherency in comparison with the other light sources. Unlike other light sources, lasers emit
© 2013 Gabrić Pandurić et al.; licensee InTech. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the
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342 A Textbook of Advanced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
coherent, monochromatic, and collimated electromagnetic radiation, with high intensity,

displaying a high optical power per unit area for a given amount of energy as compared to
broadband light sources. These characteristics endow the laser with unique applications. Of
course, there are specific features inherent to each type of a particular laser such as the spot
size, wavelength, or radiance that is important to the specific kind of application intended
[4, 7]. The most common surgical lasers emit wavelengths in the infrared (IR) part of the
spectrum: the Nd:YAG (λ=1,064nm), the Er:YAG (λ=2.94µm), and the CO2 laser (λ=10.6 and
9.6µm). Within the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, argon lasers emit light
between 458 and 515nm, and excimer lasers are located in the ultraviolet part of the spec‐
trum (100 to 400nm). Diode lasers emit wavelengths of 670 to 1551nm. For surgical indica‐
tions, the later seem to be of increasing interest [7]. Up until now, most of the high-power
lasers operated in the near IR or far IR range and there are excimer lasers that have consider‐
able power in the UV range. Thus, there is still a gap in the middle range of the spectrum
which motivated development of laser systems for the UV/VIS region of the electromagnetic
spectrum [4].
For therapeutic purposes, the laser-tissue interaction mechanisms are mainly determined
by two parameters, namely the laser exposure time on the tissue and the effective power
density taking into account the tissue-specific absorption [1]. Whether a particular laser
source is suited for biomedical purposes, either diagnostic and/or therapeutic, depends
on the indication, the aforementioned excitation and de-excitation mechanisms and the
extent of laser-tissue interactions. In short, laser-tissue effects and interactions depend on
the interplay of irradiation parameters such as wavelength or wavelength band of the
particular laser source, physical properties of the tissue irradiated with the particular
wavelength, irradiance or pulse energy, continuous wave (cw) or pulsed irradiation, laser
beam size on the tissue, irradiation duration or laser pulse length, repetition rate and any
changes in the physical properties of the tissue as a result of laser irradiation with the
parameters mentioned above [8]. Monochromaticity and high optical power are the most
important properties when considering the interaction of laser light with tissue for medi‐
cal applications [9]. When laser light is delivered to the tissues, or any surface, a number
of specific interactions can occur. When laser energy hits a target tissue, it may be trans‐
mitted, reflected, absorbed or scattered. If a laser beam can be transmitted through a ma‐
terial there will be little or no absorption and therefore little or no thermal effects. The
depth of transmission into tissues depends upon the tissue type, laser wavelength and la‐
ser fluence. A laser beam that is not transmitted through a material is absorbed, and as
the tissue or materials absorb the laser beam, heat energy is produced which can cause
thermal damage to the tissue. In order to achieve a biologic effect, the energy must be ab‐
sorbed. Selective absorption is the key to the majority of laser treatments, which ''target''
a particular wavelength for a particular site. By choosing a wavelength of light that is
preferentially absorbed by the component of tissue, it is possible to target only the chos‐
en structure and leave surrounding tissues relatively unaffected [6, 9]. Each tissue has
specific absorption characteristics based on its composition and chromophore content.
The principal chromophores present in mammalian tissue are haemoglobin, melanin, wa‐
Application of Diode Laser in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 343
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ter and protein. Infrared light is absorbed primarily by water, while visible and ultravio‐
let light are primarily absorbed by hemoglobin and melanin, respectively. As wavelength
decreases toward the violet and ultraviolet part of the spectrum, scatter or absorption
from covalent bonds in protein limits penetration depth in this range. In order to target a
specific tissue, one should select a wavelength which is strongly absorbed by chromo‐
phores present in that tissue. Most medical laser applications depend on the absorption
of laser light to heat the target tissue. To prevent undesirable thermal injury to adjacent
tissue, light can be applied in suitably timed pulses related to the size of the target struc‐
ture according to the principle of selective photothermolysis. The proper pulse width for
targeting a structure will be in this range; larger structures will be best treated with a
longer pulse, and smaller structures by shorter pulses. Too long a pulse may cause adja‐
cent structures to sustain thermal injuries; too short a pulse may cause insufficient ener‐
gy to be delivered to the tissue in order to elicit a biologic effect on the target [9]. It can
be concluded that with proper selection of the wavelength, exposure time and intensity
of the laser, the biologic effect on the target tissue can be optimized and undesirable col‐
lateral effects on adjacent tissues can be minimized. By selecting the appropriate wave‐
length and pulse width, and properly delivering the applied energy, one can achieve a
selective effect on the target tissue. There are five interaction mechanisms associated with
the use of lasers in biomedicine:
1. Optical effect i.e. fluorescence spectroscopy for cancer screening, optical coherence to‐
mography (OCT) for high-resolution imaging
2. Photomechanical effect (photoacustic) ie. for laser lithotripsy, removal of tattoos and cer‐
tain pigmented lesions
3. Photochemical effect i.e. photodynamic therapy (PDT), chemical reaction stimulation,

composite resin polymerization
4. Photothermal effect i.e. laser resurfacing, treatment of vascular lesions, laser hair removal
5. Photobiostimulative and photobiomodulative effect i.e. low level laser therapy (LLLT), laser
acupuncture, collagen remodeling for aged skin, anti-inflammatory treatments, blue
light therapy for acne treatments, accelerated wound healing [8-12].
Whether a laser system is suitable for incisions, vaporization, or coagulation is determined

by the wavelength, the energy fluence, the optical characteristics of the tissues, and how the
laser is operated. In continuous mode, the laser provides a constant and stable delivery of
energy. Lasers within the ultraviolet region (100 to 380nm) are able to ionize tissues, a proc‐
ess known as photochemical desorption. Lasers of longer wavelengths, especially those
within the infrared part of the spectrum (700 to 10,000nm), cause significant tissue heating.
Most of the surgical lasers are embedded in this group and comprise thermal lasers. The
light of these lasers is rapidly converted to thermal energy causing denaturation of proteins,
decomposition of tissue, microexplosion of cell water and charring [1, 5, 7, 13-15].
2. Laser applications in OMF surgery
More than in any other dental specialty, lasers have played an integral role in the practice of
OMF surgery. Lasers and rapidly becoming the standard of care for many procedures per‐
formed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. The reason for this transition is due to the fact
that many procedures can be executed more efficiently and with less morbidity using lasers
as compared to a scalpel, electrocautery or high frequency devices. Because many of these
procedures are routine for the practicing surgeon, the laser is merely used as a better tool to
facilitate the same goals; the transition to laser surgery by most OMF surgeons has been
gradual and relatively simple. Many new procedures have been developed specifically to
take advantage of the unique properties of the laser or can be done only via a laser; because
there is no analogous procedure using conventional surgical instruments. On the other
hand, there are procedures that although possible with other modalities, have become popu‐
lar to perform using the laser because of its inherent advantages. Early lasers were bulky
and historically used for major cases in operating theaters; but today, access to small, porta‐
ble, office-based lasers with improved intraoral delivery systems have made it possible to
treat even minor routine procedures in the clinic [13-16].
2.1. Advantages
There are many advantages to the use of lasers in OMF surgery. The advantages of laser sur‐
gery include: hemostasis and excellent field visibility, precision, enhanced infection control
and elimination of bacteremia, lack of mechanical tissue trauma, reduced postoperative pain
and edema, reduced scarring and tissue shrinkage, microsurgical capabilities, less instru‐
ments at the site of operation, asepsis due to non-contact tissue ablation and prevention of
tumor seeding [1, 15]. The hemostatic nature of the laser is of great value in OMF surgery. It
allows surgery to be performed more precisely and accurately because of increased visibility
of the surgical site. This characteristic is particulary useful in cases of hemangioma or re‐
moval of inflamed epulis fissurata, or any procedure involving incision of the tongue, soft
palate, or tonsillar pillars. Decreased postoperative swelling is characteristic of lasers and al‐
lows increased safety when performing surgery within the airway and increases the range
of surgery that can be performed safely without fear of airway compromise. This effect al‐
lows the surgeon to perform many procedures in an office or outpatient facility that previ‐
ously would have required hospitalization for airway observation, postoperative nursing
care, and parenteral pain management. The improvement of tissue healing and scarring is
due to a combination of decreased collateral tissue damage, less traumatic surgery, more
precise control of the depth of tissue damage, and fewer myofibroblasts in laser wounds [13,
15]. When lasers are used intraorally, wounds generally heal with minimal scar formation
and soft, pliable residual tissue. Because of this improved healing (along with the hemosta‐
sis), intraoral wounds can often be left unsutured (another distinct advantage). Decreased
postoperative pain is often noted with the use of lasers for surgery. The physiology of this
effect is still unknown but probably relates to decreased tissue trauma and an alteration of
neural transmission. This aspect has enabled surgeons to perform many procedures on an
outpatient basis, with patients returning to work within 1 day or even immediately in many
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cases. Hollow wave-guide technology and fiberoptics make the laser accessible to almost
any area in the oral cavity, even those that would be difficult or impossible to reach with
other therapeutical modalities [15]. Despite many advantages, there are disadvantages that
must be carefully weighed before choosing the laser for patient treatment. As mentioned
previously, healing from laser surgery is usually excellent, with decreased scarring and in‐
creased function; however, the speed of healing is usually prolonged when compared with
other types of wounds. This healing delay is undoubtedly due to the sealing of blood vessels
and lymphatics. Typical intraoral healing takes 2 to 3 weeks for wounds that would normal‐
ly take 7 to 10 days, and this must be taken into account when considering suture removal
(when used) and obtaining informed patient consent [13-15]. None of the lasers can treat all
tissue conditions (due to different wavelengths), but a variety of lasers can be useful for var‐
ious conditions. Different wavelength lasers are used for various indications by taking ad‐
vantage of their physical properties.
2.2. Laser types
Carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers continue to be a major instrument for soft tissue surgery for excel‐
lent affinity to water-based tissues. The wavelength of 10,600nm is readily absorbed by wa‐
ter thus, it will not penetrate far into tissues (0.1-0.23mm) without repeated or prolonged
use making it ideal for superficial lesions and resurfacing of the skin. It is also used for re‐
moval of the sialoliths.
Nd:YAG lasers (1064nm) are used for hair removal, in addition for removal of tattoos and
pigmented lesions if q-switched. Nd:YAG and Ho:YAG (2.12µm) are frequently used in
bone and cartilage ablation.
Ho:YAG lasers are used for adhesions and foreign body removal while treating joint irregu‐
larities and performing discectomy of the perforated disk.
Er:YAG lasers (2.94µm) have become the most popular lasers for treatment of hard tissues,
teeth and bone. Frequency doubled Nd:YAG or KTP laser (532nm) is strongly absorbed by
haemoglobin, melanin and other similar pigments being used for treatment of telangiectasia
and keloid scars if q-switched.
Alexandrite lasers (720-800nm) are used for hair removal and tattoo removal, if q-switched, as
are the ruby laser (694nm) and dye laser (400-1000nm).
Argon (488, 514nm) and krypton lasers (531nm) are readily absorbed by hemoglobin, mela‐
nin and other similar pigmentation and are useful in the treatment of the port-wine stains.
Argon, KTP, Nd:YAG and diode lasers are used to treat oral soft and/or vascular lesions by
ablation, incision, excision or coagulation. The excimer laser (UV outputs) are absorbed by
proteins, and mostly used in ophthalmic surgery [6, 15-17].
2.3. Laser osteotomy
Experimental laser osteotomies were performed in vitro and in vivo with use of different
wavelengths including excimer lasers, Er:YAG, CO2 and Ho:YAG lasers. The laser light
emitted by Er:YAG and CO2 lasers are well absorbed by water. The wavelength of the
Er:YAG laser, moreover, is also well absorbed by hydroxyapatite, and of the CO2 laser is
highly absorbed by collagen. Therefore, these wavelengths seem to play an increasingly im‐
portant role in OMF surgery [7]. Light microscopy, histologic sections and SEM revealed no
charring, but a very thin basophilic zone next to the cut surface, while cutting the trabecular
structures resulted in coagulation zone [17-22].
2.4. Benigin oral lesions
For soft tissue surgery several wavelengths including Er:YAG, CO2, Nd:YAG and diode la‐
sers were investigated over the past years. Excision of benign lesions, such as fibroma, papil‐
loma, mucocele, gingival lesions, benign salivary glands lesions, salivary stones, epulis
fissurata, tongue lesions and hyperplastic tissue excisions, are well documented in the litera‐
ture. Removal of these lesions using lasers is minimally invasive and can make the surgery
less extensive, and may reduce the need for general anesthesia or in-patient hospital care,
resulting in the lowered overall costs [4, 5, 15, 23].
2.5. Premalignant lesions of the oral mucosa
According to the literature, malignant transformation of premalignancies such as oral leuko‐

plakia and oral lichen planus occurs in up to 28% of these lesions. Surgery of these lesions is
mostly performed conventionally, but using laser for the removal of the premalignancies
has been proven very effective being associated with recurrence rates of less then 20%. It al‐
lows precise excision, together with some of the underlying connective tissue. The heat gen‐
erated reaches the deeper-lying cells and, consequently, renders very low recurrence rates.
However, a delay in healing caused by the thermal laser energy is an encumbrance for the
patient. As an alternative to the scalpel, the CO2 laser has been used for more then 25 years.
In recent studies, very low recurrence rates were observed with the Nd:YAG and diode la‐
sers when treating above mentioned lesions, probably due their deep penetration of the
light through the tissue [4-7, 13-16].
2.6. Selected malignant lesions
In selected patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma, as part of overall oncological man‐
agement, lasers play a role in excision of the lesion, while thermal laser energy was sup‐
posed to be of value in cancer surgery, as it was assumed that thermal laser energy may seal
arteries, veins and lymphatic vessels. However, advantages of laser surgery seem to be more
attributable to technical handling during surgery than to oncologic parameters [4, 5, 13].
2.7. Fluorescence spectroscopy and photodynamic therapy (PDT)
Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy is a non-invasive technique that has been

used in various fields to differentiate tissues, and therefore might be an important tool for
cancer diagnostics. Differentiation of benign and malignant tissues using this method is pos‐
sible with a sensitivity above 80%. It has been shown that PDT can optimize conventional
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surgery in cases of squamous cell carcinoma using a new photosensitizer meta-tetrahydrox‐

yphenylchlorine (m-THPC). Intraoperative fluorescence-guided resection followed by PDT
seem to be highly promising in improving the radicality of tumor resection combined with a
conventional therapeutic approach [7, 24].
2.8. Esthetic and plastic indications
Lasers have been used for more than 25 years in cosmetic surgery of the face. Superficial
vascular and pigmented lesions are most commonly treated with use of argon laser.
Nd:YAG laser is used for treatment of deep vascular lesions and tumors. CO2 laser is indi‐
cated for vaporization of exophytic lesions. One of the more common procedures performed
with laser is cosmetic skin resurfacing by removing the surface layer of the epidermis and
superficial papillary dermis, conctracting the dermal collagen, and allowing the skin to ree‐
pithelialize in a more uniform manner. The advantage of the laser surgery in cases of esthet‐
ic and plastic surgery is based on hemostasis, decreased scarring and decreased
postoperative disability [13, 15, 24].
2.9. Surgical indications in children
In cranio-maxillofacial surgery, laser therapy is indicated in the treatment of congenital vas‐

cular malformations, such as hemangiomas or naevi flammei which are treated by argon,
Nd:YAG or dye lasers. Moreover, use of the CO2 laser was shown to be effective in cleft sur‐
gery of infants [13, 24].
2.10. Temporomandibular joint laser-assisted surgery
Arthroscopic surgery has become the treatment of choice for internal derangements of the
temporomandibular joint using Er:YAG, CO2 and Ho:YAG lasers. Using this technique pro‐
cedures such as discectomy, discoplasty, synovectomy, hemostasis, posterior attachment
contraction, and eminectomy can be performed on an outpatient basis through two incisions
less than 2mm each [13, 15].
2.11. Dental implantology
The clinical use of lasers in modern oral implantology may be indicated in the different
phases of the treatment. Lasers may be useful in pre-implant treatments when mucogingival
surgery is required [24]. The most important indication of laser treatment in implantology is
application in the peri-implant soft tissues, as well as decontamination of the implant surfa‐
ces in order to treat peri-implant bony defects and rehabilitate failing implants [7, 24-29].
However, apparently not all laser systems available in dentistry are of value in this regard.
Nd:YAG laser can dramatically change the implant surfaces and cause melting of the im‐
plant microdesign. Better results were seen with the use of a CO2 laser, which is not able to
modify the implant surface, the temperature changes are clinically acceptable and the bacte‐
ria reduction is significant. Moreover, of potential interest is the clinical use of the diode la‐
ser, which is not able to change the implant surface and has excellent properties for incision,
excision and coagulation of the soft tissues. Recently, PDT with toluidine blue plus diode la‐
ser light was used for treatment of peri-implant diseases [24-31]. There are several confirm‐
ing reports in the literature in which lasers have been used for implant site preparation
[32-35]. Lasers are useful tool in the second phase of implant surgery [25, 36]. Laser irradia‐
tion has a biostimulating effect on osteoblasts, which may be used for promoting the os‐
seointegration process of dental implants and healing of the bone defect after augmentation
procedures [37-39].
2.12. Laser hemostasis
In modern societies, there is an increasing number of older patients, especially who take an‐
ticoagulant drugs. Over the past years, lasers haemostatic properties have been established.
Due to deeper penetration in soft tissues, Nd:YAG and diode laser have been very effective.
To reduce the thermal effect, pulsed lasers are used. Optical characteristics of blood result in
scaterring and dispersion of laser light, thereby reducing the adverse effects on bony tissue
[7, 31]. There are basically three photothermal techniques for laser use within the oral cavity
and on the face: incisional and excisional procedures, ablation and vaporization procedures,
and hemostasis. Incisional and excisional procedures are common in cases of soft tissue laser
surgery using the laser device essentially as a light scalpel to make relatively deep, thin cuts
such as one would do with a scalpel blade. This technique allows the surgeon to perform
almost any intraoral procedure that would normally be done with conventional technique,
such as incisional and excisional biopsy, lesion removal, or incision for flap access. The main
advantages are bloodless surgical field and the reduced need for suturing. Tissue ablation or
vaporization is used for removal of the superficial part of the tissue but generally over a fair‐
ly large area, as well as for the bone removal. The most common examples are leukoplakias,
dysplasias, papillary hyperplasia, and osteotomies. In contrast to incisional procedures in
which is spot size is kept small by locating the laser at its focal length; vaporization is ac‐
complished by using larger spot sizes. This technique allows removal of a surface lesion in
layers of a few hundred microns to 1-2mm at a time. Visualization of tissue anatomy is ex‐
cellent, owing to the hemostasis, and the layers are identified easiliy. By removing only the
epithelium less damage is done to the underlying tissues, and the risk of inadvertent dam‐
age to an underlying nerve, duct, or blood vessel is minimal. Any superficial tissue removal
without the need for histologic examination can be treated using this technique. Finally,
even in cases in which other modalities of treatment have been used, the laser can be used as
a hemostatic tool to stop bleeding in the field and to allow for similar postoperative wound
management. The cause of this effect is not coagulation of blood, but rather the contraction
of the vascular wall collagen. The contraction results in constriction of the vessels and hemo‐
stasis. The technique is very useful for removal of vascular lesions in the oral and maxillofa‐
cial region [13-15]. Once these three techniques are understood, the surgeon has to decide
which technique would be best for treatment of the lesion most appropriately, taking into
account the laser parameters, such as power, time, and spot size to best affect the target with
the least collateral damage.
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3. Application of diode laser for soft tissue surgery
Diode lasers have a diversity of applications in the medical field. Small and compact, they
can be ''stacked'' to produce considerable output powers. The active material is a semi-con‐
ducting crystal, usually gallium arsenide (GaAs) or similar compounds. The precise wave‐
length depends upon the material used in the semiconductor layers. The beam from the
diode laser is usually more divergent than that of the other lasers, requiring additional op‐
tics to produce a collimated output beam. Beams can be in continuous wave or pulsed. The
advantage of diode systems is their compactness, high efficiency and reliability. Some lasers
devices use low power visible diode lasers instead of helium-neon (HeNe) lasers for aiming
beams [6]. The diode laser is good for excising benign soft tissue lesions. Blood vessels
smaller than 0.5mm in diameter are sealed spontaneously, allowing excellent visibility and
precision when dissecting through the tissue planes. There is minimal cellular damage adja‐
cent to the plane of excision. This facilitates good wound healing, and it also means that the
specimen can be removed without distorsion, enabling the pathologist to provide an accu‐
rate histological diagnosis. Even large laser wounds heal with good functional results and
minimal scar [15, 40]. Because of the many uncontrollable factors that determine the depth
of effect of the laser into any particular tissue and the three clinician-controlled parameters
(power, time and spot size), it is impossible to generalize specific laser parameters for any
individual lesion. It is more important to consider each use as a unique circumstance and to
adjust the parameters to provide the best results on the target, in the most controllable man‐
ner, with the least lateral thermal damage. Using typical spot sizes of 0.1 to 0.5mm, a power
of 4 to 10W, is usually a good level to initiate treatment for most intraoral lesions [15].
Where the target tissue can tolerate a wider zone of coagulation necrosis, such as incisions in
oral mucosa, a continuous wave may be used. At higher power densities the surgeon will
have to work rapidly to minimize unwanted thermal damage. Charring will inevitably oc‐
cur in inverse relationship to incisional speed [13]. Laser excision is most desirable for any
solid, exophytic-type lesion because of the improved visibility and precise control of tissue
removal. The laser surgery technique is lesion independent, but any lesion or tissue requir‐
ing excision and incision treated use the same basic method. It is important for the surgeon
to choose when to use this technique appropriately. Once the appropriate depth has been
reached, excision can be performed by grasping the tissue with the forceps, applying slight
traction, and horizontally undermining the tissue in the same fashion with the laser still in
focused mode [15]. Traction and countertraction of tissue with sponges, forceps, or sutures
will facilitate precise surgery just as it does for conventional techniques. The target tissue
should be examined to see if the desired depth is reached. As with a scalpel, several passes
may be necessary to achieve this [13]. The pathologist should be informed of the use of the
laser for the surgery. Wounds produced by the diode laser behave in a different manner
than those produced by the scalpel. Closure of incisions and excisions performed with the
laser is often at the discretion of the surgeon. Because bleeding and scarring usually are
minimized, and postoperative pain does not seem to be related to closure, sutures are abso‐
lutely required only for cosmetics, when leaving the wound to granulate slowly would
present an unacceptable cosmetic situation [15]. There is minimal damage to adjacent tissue
and a coagulum of denatured protein forms on the surface. No dressing is required, and the
lasered area can be left exsposed in the mouth. Skin grafting is not necessary, even for large
areas. The acute inflammatory reaction is delayed and minimal; few myofibroblasts are
present, and there is little wound contraction. Only small amounts of collagen are laid
down, resulting in little scarring or restriction in movement of the soft tissues. However, ep‐
ithelial regeneration is delayed, and the wounds take a longer time to re-epithelialize [13,
40]. The diode laser offers a minimally invasive technique and can make the surgery less ex‐
tensive, reduce the need for general anesthesia or hospital stay and lower the overall costs.
For these reasons, it is becoming more widely popular [13, 15, 40].
Figure 1. Comparative postoperative differences between diode laser (left) and conventional oral soft tissue sur‐
gery (right).
At the Department of Oral Surgery, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, a

clinical study was performed. The aim was to compare diode laser and conventional scal‐
pel surgery for the treatment of oral soft tissue lesions with regard to edema, hematoma,
postoperative pain and patient satisfaction. The study group consisted of 7 men and 18
women, (age range 12-80, mean 44.9 ±20.8). The control group consisted of 13 men and
12 women, (age range 15-67, mean 42.4 ± 17.8). Local anesthetic (UbistesinTM, 3M ESPE,
Espe Plazt, D-82229 Seefeld, Germany) was administered to all patients before the proce‐
dure. Soft tissue lesions in the control group were treated with conventional scalpel exci‐
sion and silk sutures (0,3 mm, Mersillk 3.0, Ethicon, New Jersey, USA), while in the
study group a diode laser (LaserHF, Hager&Werken, Duisburg, Germany, 2008.), without
sutures or intraoral bandage was used. For the laser group, fibroma removal programme
was used (wavelength of 975nm, power of 5W, CW). None of the soft tissue lesions, ei‐
ther in the study or control group, were larger than 1 cm in diameter before treatment.
Three days after the surgical procedure edema, hematoma, postoperative pain and pa‐
tient satisfaction were assessed by a single examiner and the patient himself. Edema was
assessed as the presence of swollen tissue around incision lines and was measured in
millimetres. Hematoma was defined as the presence of blood extravasation around the
incision line and was measured in millimetres as well; both measurements were per‐
formed with a digital calliper. Postoperative pain was assessed via visual analogue scale
(VAS, 0 – no pain at all; 10 worst possible pain). Patient satisfaction with the procedure
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was also assessed on VAS (0 – dissatisfied; 10 - fully satisfied). Statistical analysis was
performed with χ2 test and t-test for independent samples. P-values lower than 0.05 were
considered as significant. No significant differences regarding age, gender of the partici‐
pants and diagnosis were observed between the groups. Results are shown in Figure 1.
Patients in the study group had significantly less edema and hematoma compared to the
patients in the control group (P<0.05). Patients in the study group reported significantly
less pain and higher satisfaction compared to the patients in the control group (P<0.05).
D’Arcangelo et al [41] reported that diode lasers tend to produce more changes with regard
to the degree of inflammatory response and delay in tissue organization than a scalpel but
only at the initial stage. Long-term results of the diode laser on the tissue histology are not
known. Histological analysis on rats performed by D’Arcangelo et al showed that healing
after laser surgery is not compromised; although rather slower it is satisfactory when higher
output power (6W) is used. Therefore, the same authors concluded that lasers at lower out‐
put (4W) reduce the effectiveness of the incision, but minimize thermal damage of the tis‐
sues. The same authors concluded that use of diode lasers should be further investigated as
they are good alternatives to the scalpel. Bryant et al [42] evaluated wound healing of oral
soft tissues after diode laser irradiation and concluded that their clinical application in oral
surgical procedures has beneficial effects. The absence of bleeding significantly reduces
postoperative swelling and discomfort and obviates the need for sutures. There are only two
studies in humans so far in the published literature which compare healing effects after car‐
bon dioxide laser surgery and scalpel surgery [43, 44]. Jin et al [46] reported that the diode
laser is a good cutting device for oral mucosa; however, more tissue damage occurs than
with the use of a scalpel or an Er,Cr:YSGG laser producing more pronounced tissue change.
Such changes are associated with an increased inflammatory response and an initial delay in
healing. Romanos and Nentwig [47] reported that the diode laser (980 nm) was beneficial in
22 patients when treating soft tissue tumors, gingival hyperplasia, frenectomy, removal of
hemangioma, vestibuloplasty and peri-implant tissue surgery. The same authors concluded
that the diode laser has postoperative advantages, i.e. lack of swelling, bleeding, pain, scar
formation and good wound healing. However, their results were not compared to the other
surgical procedures. Furthermore, Stübinger et al [48] investigated usefulness of the diode
laser in 40 patients. The same authors concluded that postoperative clinical findings were
excellent due to the sufficient cutting abilities, good coagulation effect and extremely small
zone of thermal necrosis to the nearby tissues. Based on the results of our study and other
studies, we can conclude that diode lasers provide better outcomes for the treatment of oral
soft tissue lesions when compared to the scalpel surgery; therefore laser can be employed in
oral surgical procedures for coagulation effects, sterilization of the surgical site, minimizing
or obviating swelling and significantly reducing postoperative pain.
3.1. Fibromas
Fibromas are often due to lip biting. The soft tissue surgery can be performed using Laser
HF using the fibroma removal mode (975nm, 5W, CW) without side effects or complications
after surgery (Figures. 2-6).
Figure 2. Clinical appearance of a lower lip fibroma.
Figure 3. Use of Laser HF for soft tissue surgery.
Figure 4. Postsurgical view.
Figure 5. Follow up three days after surgery.

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Figure 6. Follow up two weeks after surgery.
3.2. Mucoceles
Mucoceles of the lip can be unroofed, then excised with gland tissue using Laser HF, again
using fibroma removal mode (975nm, 5W, CW). The wound margins may be sealed with a
defocused beam without side effects or complications. Re-epithelization takes about three
weeks (Figures 7-11).
Figure 7. Clinical appearance of the mucocele.
Figure 8. Unroofed lesion after first laser use.

Figure 9. Excision of the lesion together with adjacent salivary gland using diode laser.
Figure 10. Final postoperative view.
Figure 11. Sealing the wound margins with a defocused beam.
3.3. Palatal lesions
Lesions of the soft palate such as traumatic fibromas in the soft palate can be treated using
Laser HF, fibroma removal mode (975nm, 5W, CW). Application of LLLT immediately after
surgery may expedite healing (Acupuncture mode, 660nm, 90mW, 90s interval) without
side effects or complications (Figures 12-17).
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Figure 12. Clinical appearance of the fibroma of the soft palate.
Figure 13. Usage of diode laser for soft tissue surgical procedure.
Figure 14. Application of LLLT immediately after surgery.

Figure 16. Follow up ten days after surgery.
Figure 17. Follow up three weeks after surgery.
Fibroepithelial polyps of the hard palate may be treated via Laser HF (Fibroma removal
mode, 975nm, 5W, CW). Application of LLLT immediately after surgery may be performed
(Acupuncture mode, 660nm, 90mW, 90s interval) without complications (Figures 18-22).
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Figure 18. Clinical appearance of the palatal fibroepithelial polyp.
Figure 19. a. Surgical procedure performed using diode laser. b. Surgical specimen removed using diode laser.
Figure 21. Follow up seven days after surgery.

3.4. Epulis fissuratum
Epulis fissuratum of the jaws can be removed using Laser HF, via a combination of Fibroma
removal (975nm, 5W, CW) and Gingivectomy modes (975nm, 3W, 10ms, 1:2), followed by
LLLT application immediately after the surgical procedure (Acupuncture mode, 660nm,
90mW, 90s interval). The aPDT may also be performed (660nm, 50mW, 30s interval) without
complications (Figures 23-30).
Figure 23. Clinical appearance of a maxillary epulis fissuratum.
Figure 24. Surgical procedure performed using diode laser.

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Figure 25. Immediate postsurgical view.
Figure 27. Application of the ''photosensitizer'', a coloring solution for aPDT, and photodynamic therapy using diode
laser. b. Application of the diode laser.
Figure 28. Follow up one week after surgery.

Figure 30. Follow up five weeks after surgery.
Palatal fibroepithelial polyp and inflammatory papillary hyperplasia of the hard palate can
be treated similarly using Laser HF using (Fibroma removal mode, 975nm, 5W, CW) in com‐
bination with loop of high frequency. LLLT application (Acupuncture mode, 660nm, 90mW,
90s interval) immediately after surgery (Figures 31-35).
Figure 31. a. Clinical appearance of the palatal fibroepithelial polyp and inflammatory papillary hyperplasia of the
hard palate. b. Clinical appearance of the palatal fibroepithelial polyp and inflammatory papillary hyperplasia of the
hard palate.
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Figure 32. Immediate postsurgical view.
Figure 33. Follow up third day after surgery.
Figure 34. Follow up one week after surgery.
Figure 35. Follow up three weeks after surgery.

3.5. Exposure of impacted teeth
Exposure of an impacted tooth (soft tissue impaction) can be done using Laser HF, (Gin‐
givectomy mode, 975nm, 3W, CW). After laser incision around the impacted crown, the
mucosal tissue is removed with an elevator until the underlying crown is identified (Fig‐
ures 36-39).
Figure 36. Clinical view before surgery.
Figure 37. Incision using diode laser.
Figure 38. Removal of the mucosal flap with an elevator.

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Figure 39. Immediate application of the orthodontic element.
3.6. Crown lengthening
Crown lengthening is easily done using lasers. After raising the mucoperiosteal flap, selec‐
tive osteotomy with the surgical bur is performed. Subsequent to the suturing and frenecto‐
my, laser gingivectomy using LaserHF (Gingivectomy mode, 975nm, 3W, 10ms, 1:2) for the
lengthening of clinical crowns is done and prepared for the immediate resin restoration, pri‐
or to final ceramic restoration (Figures 40-43).
Figure 40. a. Clinical appearance before surgery b. Clinical appearance before surgery.
Figure 41. a. Treatment planning before surgery. b. Radiograph before surgery.

Figure 42. a. Selective osteotomy after raising the mucoperiosteal flap. b. Selective osteotomy completed.
Figure 43. a. Subsequent to the suturing and frenectomy, gingivectomy using diode laser was performed.b. Frenecto‐
my, gingivectomy completed.
3.7. Dental implantology
Modification of the surgical laser technique can make it useful in dental implantology.
The incisional mode of the diode laser can be used safely to uncover implants as long as
care is taken to prevent heat conduction from surrounding tissues does not conduct back
into the implant; this is done simply by limiting prolonged exposure. When using the
proper wavelength, titanium does not absorb, but rather reflects the laser energy. Hy‐
droxyapatite-coated implants might absorb this wavelength and are at risk. Another ex‐
cellent use of the laser is for removal of any hyperplastic peri-implant tissue. This
removal is accomplished easily by maintaining the tip of the laser parallel to the long ax‐
is of the implant, and running the laser arround the implant body. Using standard laser
parameters, the tissue can be lowered uniformly to a level that allows good hygiene of
the implant along with a bloodless working field [7, 15, 16, 24, 31]. The most important
indication of laser treatment in implantology is application in the peri-implant soft tis‐
sues, as well as decontamination of the implant surfaces in order to treat peri-implant bo‐
ny defects (open and close technique) and rehabilitate failing implants [7, 24-29]. This
effect is significantly greater in combination with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.
For implant exposure in 2-stage implants, exposure of the osseointegrated dental implant
in the second surgical phase can be done using Laser HF (Implant exposure mode,
975nm, 4W, CW) and healing abutment may be placed (Figures 44 a,b).
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Figure 44. a. Dental implant exposure using diode laser. b. Healing abutment in place.
Re-exposure of osseointegrated dental implants may be performed using Laser HF (Implant

exposure mode, 975nm, 4W, CW) following peri-implant mucositis and a healing abutment
can be placed again; aPDT using Laser HF (PDT mode, 660nm, 50mW, 30s interval), in com‐
bination with antibiotic therapy for 5 postoperative days can be prescribed (Figures 45,46).
Figure 45. a. Peri implant mucositis. b. Reexposure of the dental implant using diode laser. c. Reexposure of the dental
implant using diode laser.
Figure 46. aPDT and healing abutment placement.

Peri-implantitis treatment may also be done via a closed technique when identified radio‐
graphically just before second surgical phase of exposure. The aPDT using Helbo (Bredent,
Senden, Germany, 2010) with 3DPerioprobe (650nm, 100mW, 60mW/cm2), in combination
with antibiotic therapy, during 10 days may be used (Figures 47-49).
Figure 47. a. Application of the photosensitizer (Helbo Endo Blue) through the periodontal area, without surgical open‐
ing. b. Application of the photosensitizer (Helbo Endo Blue) through the periodontal area, without surgical opening.
Figure 48. aPDT using diode laser with 3DPerioprobe.
Figure 49. Control/follow-up RVG image 6 weeks after finishing the treatments and before implant exposure.
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Advanced peri-implantitis identified on CBCT scan may also be treated. After raising the
mucoperiosteal flap, periodontal treatment around implant using LaserHF (Perio-curretage
mode, 975nm, 2W, 20ms, 1:4) can be used. The aPDT using the same device (PDT mode,
660nm, 50mW, 30s interval) was performed immediately before augmentation procedure
and suturing (Figures 50-53).
Figure 50. a. Coronal CBCT scan. b. Axial CBCT scan.
Figure 51. After diode laser periodontal treatment, aPDT using the same device.
Figure 52. a. Augmentation using bone substitute material and collagen resorbable membrane. b. Augmentation
completed.
Figure 53. Follow-up OPG 12 months after peri-implantitis treatment, without any clinical symptoms.
3.8. Therapeutic uses

Diode or therapeutic lasers, also called biostimulators have an anti-inflammatory activity,
being highly efficient in the rapid healing of wounds as well as the reduction of acute and
chronic pain based on the photobiostimulating activity. Anti-inflammatory laser activity is
based on the reduction of prostaglandin concentration (PGE2), changing the direction of
arachidonic acid. It has been proven that in acute inflammatory conditions laser lowers the
activity of tumor necrosis factors (TNFs). The changes in activity of neurotransmitters espe‐
cially serotonin, beta-endorphin and acetylcholinesterase result in its analgesic mechanism.
Diode lasers cause the transient varices along the neuron, resulting in the disturbance of
transmission signals as well as the inhibition of complex reaction creating the action poten‐
tial [12-15, 37-39, 48-50].
LLLT (Low Level Laser Therapy) is the application of red and near infra-red light over inju‐
ries or lesions to improve wound and soft tissue healing, reduce inflammation and give re‐
lief for both acute and chronic pain. LLLT is used to increase the speed, quality and tensile
strength of tissue repair to resolve inflammation and relieve pain. The effects of LLLT are
photochemical (like photosynthesis in plants). When the correct intensity and treatment
times are used, the red and near infrared light reduces oxidative stress and increases adeno‐
sine triphosphate (ATP). This improves cell metabolism and reduces inflammation. Low lev‐
el laser therapy effects are biochemical and not thermal and cannot cause heating and
therefore do not damage living tissue. Four distinct effects are known to occur when using
low level laser therapy:
• growth factor response within cells and tissue as a result of increased ATP and protein
synthesis; improved cell proliferation; change in cell membrane permeability to calcium
up-take
• pain relief as a result of increased endorphin release; increased serotonin; suppression of
nociceptor action
• strengthening the immune system response via increasing levels of lymphocyte activity
and through a newly researched mechanism termed photomodulation of blood
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• acupuncture point stimulation [13, 48-50].
Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a non-thermal light-induced inactivation of

cells, microorganisms or molecules. "Antimicrobial" photodynamic therapy targets patho‐
genic microorganisms. Using a dye, the bacteria that cause infections are stained, sensitized
and destroyed following exposure with light of a suitable wavelength and energy density. A
‘’photosensitizer“, a coloring solution (Toluidine Blue, Methylene Blue etc.) is used. The
oxygen atoms in the color molecules are activated by irradiation of appropriate light. They
initiate singulet conditions, which have a toxic effect on the cells [7, 13, 51].
Third molar surgery. At the Department of Oral Surgery, School of Dental Medicine, Universi‐
ty of Zagreb, a clinical study was performed. The aim of the study was to evaluate the im‐
pact of diode laser on the healing of wounds, pain symptoms and other postoperative
symptoms which usually accompany the third molar surgery. The research included 150
participants, 61% of them were females and 39% of them were males. All the participants
had absolute indication for the surgical removal of the lower third molar. The participants
were randomly selected into three groups: the first group “P1” consisted of 50 patients that
received the antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT); the second group “P2” consisted
of 50 patients that received LLLT therapy (acupuncture mode). The remaining 50 patients
were controls. In the photodynamic group ‘’P1” (n=50) just before the surgical suturing of
the wound, a photosensitive substance (toluidine blue) was applied. After 60 seconds Paro-
PDT solution was thoroughly washed with saline, and laser light was applied in two inter‐
vals (30 seconds each). The radiation power was 50 mW while the wavelength was 660 nm.
Laser therapy in “acupunctured second group P2” was performed before surgical suturing
of the wound without the application of Paro-PDT substance. After three intervals (90 sec‐
onds each), radiation power 90 mW, wavelength the same as in the first group 660 nm, all
patients received identical postoperative instructions. Postoperative follow-ups were sched‐
uled on third and seventh day after the laser therapy for patients in groups “P1” and “P2.”
On those days the treatment was repeated following the same protocol as on the day of sur‐
gery, and evaluation of the healing process and postoperative complications with two ques‐
tionnaires, as wells as quality of life and patient’s satisfaction (OHIP-CRO14) was
performed. Fourteen days after surgery all patients were contacted by e-mail or telephone
considering certain problems if problems occurred, and their satisfaction with the results of
the surgery was noted. Average score of pain, swelling, halitosis, difficulties in feeding,
sleeping and speech was exponentially lower within 14 days after postoperative monitoring
in all 3 groups of patients (P1, P2 and K). The greatest drop of the average score, and the
lowest intensity and number of postoperative problems was found in the group of patients
treated with aPDT. This result can be explained with the positive influence of laser therapy,
but also with the additional antimicrobial effect within hardly reachable places of toluidine
chloride solution which was used in “P1” group of patients. Patients in laser acupuncture
therapy group (LLLT) (P2), on the first and third postoperative day, did not show lower in‐
tensity of postoperative problems considering the control (K) group. On the seventh and
fourteenth day, the intensity of problems was lower and equalized with the intensity of
postoperative problems of the P1 group, which were better results considering the results of
the control group on the days mentioned. Results can be explained with the cumulative ef‐
fect of laser therapy, while every new postoperative received dose of laser radiation stays
and cumulates in the tissue. Every new dose of laser therapy had stronger effect on tissue
that the one received before. The best indicators of positive effects with laser therapy on all
of the postoperative problems can also be seen considering the difference with patient’s
work days lost between the groups. Results are shown on Figures 54-56, and Tables 1 and 2.
Figure 54. Distribution of pain intensity between groups.
Figure 55. Distribution of swelling intensity between groups.

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Variable F Df P Investigated groups of participants
P1 P2 K
Eating 1st P1 NS
3,46 149 0,034*
postoperative day P2
K
P1 P2 K
Eating 3rd P1 0,003** 0,022*
6,79 149 0,002**
postoperative day P2 0,003** NS
K 0,022* NS
P1 P2 K
Eating 7th P1 NS <0,001**
17,90 149 <0,001**
postoperative day P2 NS <0,001**
K <0,001** <0,001**
P1 P2 K
Eating 14th P1 NS 0,023*
5,16 149 0,007**
postoperative day P2 NS 0,023*
K 0,023* 0,023*
Table 1. *=significant with 95% confidence; **= significant with 99% confidence; NS=non significantThe significance
of differences in postoperative quality in eating.
Variable F Df p Investigated groups of participants
P1 P2 K
Halitosis 1st P1 NS 0,02*
4,22 149 0,016*
postoperative day P2 NS NS
K 0,02* NS
P1 P2 K
Halitosis 3rd P1 0,004** 0,008**
7,23 149 0,001**
postoperative day P2 0,004** NS
K 0,008** NS
P1 P2 K
Halitosis 7th P1 NS <0,001**
17,37 149 <0,001**
postoperative day P2 NS <0,001**
K <0,001** <0,001**
P1 P2 K
Halitosis 14th P1 NS 0,002**
8,02 149 <0,001**
postoperative day P2 NS 0,005**
K 0,002** 0,005**
Table 2. *=significant with 95% confidence; **= significant with 99% confidence; NS=non significantThe significance
of differences in the intensity of postoperative halitosis.
Figure 56. Distribution of the number of working days lost in groups.
Based on these results, it was concluded that:
• aPDT group (P1) had the lowest postoperative problems of all three groups.
• No complications in patients from groups P1 and P2 were found.
• Laser therapy significantly reduces postoperative problems after third molar surgery.
• Postoperative application of laser therapy reduces patient’s use of analgesics.
• Laser therapy application prevents fever, and postoperative inflammation.
• Laser therapy improves patient’s postoperative quality of life, reduces the number of lost
working days.
3.9. Endodontic surgery

Among the various lasers appearing in the mid 1990s, diode lasers represent an attractive
and valuable system due to many advantages including small size, possibility of various
treatment applications, low power consumption and attractive price which makes them ac‐
cessible to a wide range of dental professionals. Diode lasers have been used in soft tissue
surgery, periodontal pocket therapy and peri-implantitis. Effective application is demon‐
strated also in endodontics, for root canal decontamination, and tooth whitening. The sterili‐
zation effect of the diode laser resembles that of Nd:YAG laser because their wavelengths
are not absorbed by hard dental tissues so they do not have ablative effect on dentinal sur‐
face, and the risk of adverse effects is greatly diminished. In addition, this laser system has
the bactericidal effect deep in the dentin. The 810 nm diode laser is able to penetrate the den‐
tinal walls up to 750 µm. It has been demonstrated as being highly effective in decontamina‐
tion of the root canals when used as a final disinfection protocol after chemomechanical
preparation [52, 53]. De Souza et al [53] reported increased disinfection of the deep radicular
dentin after irradiation with the 830 nm diode laser set at 3W for 5 s, repeated 4 times at
intervals of 10 s. Gutknecht et al [54] have found 99.91% reduction in the bacteria number
after irradiating teeth, which were previously incubated with E. faecalis suspension. Moritz
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et al. [55] compared the antimicrobial efficacy of a diode laser (2W, 20ms pulse duration, 50
Hz) and conventional root canal disinfection methods in an in vivo study. He found higher
reduction of streptococci and staphylococci in the laser group after each appointment dur‐
ing the endodontic therapy. Contrary results were reported in a clinical study of Gutknecht
et al. [56], where no difference between the diode laser and 5% hypochlorite, when used for
the root canal disinfection, was found. When using laser therapy, a major concern is the
thermal effect of the laser energy on periodontal and alveolar bone tissues. The high ener‐
gies that are delivered by medical lasers can lead to irreversible thermal damage to the sur‐
rounding structures. A study indicated that bone tissue was sensitive to heat at the level of
47°C, which represented an approximate 10°C increase in temperature for 1min [57]. Moritz
et al [58] demonstrated that as long as correct parameters were used there was no need for
concern. After measuring the canal depth, the optic fiber should be inserted in the root canal
to 1 mm from the apex. As the fiber emits light from its distal end only, it should be with‐
drawn in slow spiral-forming movements from the apical to the coronal part in order to irra‐
diate the dentinal walls completely, and to avoid excessive temperature rise on the tooth
surface. It is very important to keep the fiber in constant motion during the root canal irradi‐
ation because if the fiber is kept stationary in the root canal, temperature rises.
Apart from decontamination efficacy, laser therapy has shown great promise in the removal
of the smear layer and debris that remains on the root canal walls after mechanical instru‐
mentation. Removal of the smear layer facilitates the antibacterial effect of intracanal irri‐
gants and medicaments, and deeper penetration and adaptation of a filling material to the
canal walls. Several studies have shown that the diode laser has similar effects on the denti‐
nal walls like Nd:YAG laser, closing the opening of the tubules [58, 59].
Diode lasers energy has also been recommended to activate chemical irrigants such as 17%
EDTA and sodium hypochlorite in LAI technique. Hmud et al. [60] used the 940 and 980 nm
diode lasers with output power of 0.5-7W at 1-10Hz to activate water. They concluded that
laser energy, delivered in the fluid, created cavitations, which could have potential to en‐
hance the removal of debris and smear layer. Diode lasers with lower wavelengths and out‐
put powers of several milliwatts can be used to activate various photosensitizers, which in
turns exert a lethal effect on bacteria [61]. There are several terms for this photochemical in‐
teraction: photo activated disinfection (PAD), photodynamic disinfection (PDD) or antimi‐
crobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT).
Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy is based on the concept that a nontoxic photosensitizer,

which bears a positive charge can directly target both gram-positive and gram-negative bac‐
teria. After exposure to the light of an appropriate wavelength, the photosensitizer is acti‐
vated, resulting in energy or electron transfer to available molecular oxygen with
consequent formation of highly reactive oxygen such as singlet oxygen and free radicals.
This process produces a cascade of oxidative events that cause damage to intracellular pro‐
teins, membrane lipids, and nucleic acids. In recent years, photodynamic therapy has been
evaluated in root canals in many in vitro [62, 63] and in vivo studies [64, 65]. These studies
suggested the potential of photodynamic therapy as an adjunct to conventional chemome‐
chanical root canal preparation [66, 67]. Recent in vivo study of Silva et al [68] evaluated the
response of the apical and periapical tissues of dogs' teeth with apical periodontitis after
one-session endodontic treatment with and without aPDT. They found moderate neoangio‐
genesis, fibrogenesis without signs of inflammation in the periapical region after aPDT, and
concluded that aPDT could be a promising adjunct therapy to the one-session conventional
chemomechanical root canal treatment. Garces et al. [65] conducted a randomized clinical
study to find the benefits of aPDT used as an adjunct to conventional root canal treatment in
patients with necrotic pulp harboring microflora resistant to previous antibiotic therapy.
Their results showed that this combination of endodontic therapy and aPDT eradicated all 9
multi-drug resistant bacterial species in root canals.
Bago et al [69] compared in a recent ex vivo study performed at the Department of Endodon‐
tics and Restorative Dentistry and the Department of Oral Surgery, School of Dental Medi‐
cine, University of Zagreb, the antimicrobial action of a 975 nm diode laser (2W, t-on 5ms, t-
off 25 ms, irradiation time: 20 s repeated for 3 times), aPDT, conventional and sonic
activated irrigation, using EndoActivator system (Dentsply Maillefer) during root canal
treatment against E. faecalis biofilm. The PDT was performed with 660 nm diode laser (Laser
HF, Hager Werken, Duisburg, Germany), which uses toluidine blue, and with the Helbo la‐
ser (Grieskirchen, Austria), which uses phenothizine chloride. Power of both lasers was set
at 100 mW and root canals were irradiated for 60 s. The results clearly showed the superiori‐
ty of the PAD and the sonic activated irrigation, which achieved 99.99% reduction rate. Only
these techniques succeeded in the eradication of E. faecalis from the root canals of 6 samples.
Regarding the high-power diode laser, the results demonstrated greater difficulties in elimi‐
nating E. faecalis. Survival of E.faecalis and lower reduction rate can be attributed to the high
resistance of E. faecalis to heat, due to its cell-wall structure [70].
Figure 57. Antimicrobial efficacy of a high-power diode laser, photo activated disinfection, conventional and sonic
activated irrigation.
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The complexity of root canal system (inaccessible or unreachable areas such as isthmus,
anastomoses, cul de sacs, fins), biofilm and therapy resistant micro-organisms on the root
canal wall and in dentinal tubuli, make complete debridment and removal of bacteria al‐
most impossible. The failure of the conservative endodontic therapy of teeth with periapi‐
cal process, that do not heal, requires endodontic surgery protocols. Therefore, the
application of laser in the root canals system has been recommended in many in vivo and
in vitro studies due to its ability to disinfect root canals effectively. However, laser thera‐
py cannot be used instead of the conventional instrumentation/irrigation protocol but as
an adjunctive final disinfection protocol. Special attention has been given to the evalua‐
tion of the antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, which shows great promise in the field
of endodontic disinfection, particularly because it does not affect ‘’friendly“ bacterial
flora, nor host cells.
3.10. Safety aspects
Lasers and intense pulsed light systems continue to advance rapidly in technology and
applications. Serious consideration must be given to the correct selection, installation,
training and use of the equipment. Many hazards exist with laser use, including electri‐
cal, mechanical, chemical, biological, optical and firehazards as well as concerns with re‐
gards to toxic effect of laser plume. Control measures should be implemented to
minimize these hazards in accordance with legislation and common sense, and protective
equipment that is available should be used and maintained appropriately [6]. It is recom‐
mended that a laser safety policy and procedure be written in each institution using la‐
sers to treat patients. Laser safety warning signs should be placed on the door of any
operating room using laser prior to usage. These signs should include the type and pow‐
er of the laser being used [14].
The first aspect is the device safety. During the laser operation the actual power output
must be supervised and if defective system causes a wrong dosage, an alarm must be ac‐
tivated. A safety switch off in the case of a component breakdown should be a standard
feature of any medical laser system. Another aspect is the safety of staff and patients
when laser procedures is undertaken. A prime consideration in laser safety is appropri‐
ate eyewear for both staff and patients. The patient must be protected against uninten‐
tional irradiation by safety covers and non-inflammable tubing, anaesthetics, and sterile
sheets must be used. The issue of carrying off excessive heat and any pyrolysis products,
which may be generated, must be reconsidered. It should be noted that dental mirrors
absorb laser energy to various degrees and thus should never be deliberately lased. Like‐
wise, surfaces which present reflection hazards should be identified and avoided. Gener‐
ous use of wet gauze squares within the oral cavity provides an effective means for
''trapping“ scattered and reflected laser energy and for protecting soft tissues [1, 31]. Fi‐
nally, it should be noted that lasers used during general anesthesia may pose a risk of ig‐
nition for flammable anesthetic gases [14, 15, 31].
4. Conclusion
Laser technology has made rapid progress over few past decades, and lasers have found a
niche in many surgical specialities. Because of their many advantages, lasers have become
indispensable in OMF surgery as an additional modality for soft tissue surgery. There are
many uses for lasers in OMF surgery, and the advent of new wavelengths will undoubtedly
lead to new procedures that can be performed with laser technology.
Practitioners should be satisfied that novel clinical approaches have a sound scientific basis,
and are not adopted solely just on the basis of anecdotal reports or incomplete research. De‐
spite the enthusiastic acceptance of this technology by professionals and the public, further
research, including controlled clinical studies, to investigate the higher efficacy, as well as
the other side effects of laser therapy, is still needed.
As Dr. Theodore Maiman, the inventor of the first laser stated: ''The medical application of
the laser is fascinating for two reasons. It is an optimistic mission on the one hand, while on
the other it counteracts the original impression of the laser being a death ray.“
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to Hager&Werken and Bredent for technical support. We would
like to especially thank all employees of the Department of Oral Surgery and Department of
Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb.
Author details
Dragana Gabrić Pandurić1*, Ivona Bago2, Irina Filipović Zore1, Mato Sušić1, Davor Katanec1,
Aleksandar Milenović3 and Vanja Vučićević Boras4
*Address all correspondence to: dgabric@sfzg.hr
1 Department of Oral Surgery, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb; University

Dental Clinic, Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb, Croatia
2 Department of Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, Univer‐

sity of Zagreb; University Dental Clinic, Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb, Croatia
3 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dental Medicine, University of

Zagreb; Clinical Hospital Dubrava, Croatia
4 Department of Oral Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb; University

Dental Clinic, Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb, Croatia
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/52404
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Chapter 13

Application of Diode Laser in Oral and Maxillofacial

Dragana Gabrić Pandurić, Ivona Bago,

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

coherent, monochromatic, and collimated electromagnetic radiation, with high intensity,

3. Photochemical effect i.e. photodynamic therapy (PDT), chemical reaction stimulation,

Whether a laser system is suitable for incisions, vaporization, or coagulation is determined

2. Laser applications in OMF surgery

2.2. Laser types

2.3. Laser osteotomy

2.4. Benigin oral lesions

2.5. Premalignant lesions of the oral mucosa

According to the literature, malignant transformation of premalignancies such as oral leuko‐

2.6. Selected malignant lesions

2.7. Fluorescence spectroscopy and photodynamic therapy (PDT)

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy is a non-invasive technique that has been

surgery in cases of squamous cell carcinoma using a new photosensitizer meta-tetrahydrox‐

2.8. Esthetic and plastic indications

2.9. Surgical indications in children

In cranio-maxillofacial surgery, laser therapy is indicated in the treatment of congenital vas‐

2.10. Temporomandibular joint laser-assisted surgery

2.11. Dental implantology

2.12. Laser hemostasis

3. Application of diode laser for soft tissue surgery

At the Department of Oral Surgery, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, a

Figure 2. Clinical appearance of a lower lip fibroma.

Figure 3. Use of Laser HF for soft tissue surgery.

Figure 4. Postsurgical view.

Figure 5. Follow up three days after surgery.

Figure 6. Follow up two weeks after surgery.

Figure 7. Clinical appearance of the mucocele.

Figure 8. Unroofed lesion after first laser use.

Figure 10. Final postoperative view.

Figure 11. Sealing the wound margins with a defocused beam.

3.3. Palatal lesions

Figure 12. Clinical appearance of the fibroma of the soft palate.

Figure 14. Application of LLLT immediately after surgery.

Figure 15. Follow up three days after surgery.

Figure 16. Follow up ten days after surgery.

Figure 17. Follow up three weeks after surgery.

Figure 18. Clinical appearance of the palatal fibroepithelial polyp.

Figure 20. Follow up three days after surgery.

Figure 21. Follow up seven days after surgery.

Figure 22. Follow up two weeks after surgery.

3.4. Epulis fissuratum

Figure 23. Clinical appearance of a maxillary epulis fissuratum.

Figure 24. Surgical procedure performed using diode laser.

Figure 25. Immediate postsurgical view.

Figure 26. Follow up three days after surgery.

Figure 28. Follow up one week after surgery.

Figure 29. Follow up two weeks after surgery.

Figure 30. Follow up five weeks after surgery.

Figure 32. Immediate postsurgical view.

Figure 33. Follow up third day after surgery.

Figure 34. Follow up one week after surgery.

Figure 35. Follow up three weeks after surgery.

3.5. Exposure of impacted teeth

Figure 36. Clinical view before surgery.

Figure 37. Incision using diode laser.