Oral and Maxillofacial
Oral and Maxillofacial Laser Surgery
When laser technology was first introduced to the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS or OMFS) in the mid-1980s, the only laser available to the surgeon was the 10.6 micrometers CO2 laser, mainly due to its “outstanding cutting abilities” [1]. Strauss and Coleman [1] repeatedly refer to the “excellent tissue-cutting abilities” of the CO2 laser such as “better control of bleeding, less surgical time, more precise tissue removal, less morbidity and complications, and excellent healing with virtually no scarring.” Even today, three decades later, the CO2 laser remains the primary laser used in major oral laser surgery [1].
Soft-Tissue Oral Laser Surgery
CO2 lasers not only enhance the current surgical options for treatment, but they have also expanded the scope of practice. There are numerous uses for lasers in OMS.
Oral laser surgery provides excellent uniform results and can be successfully used in a wide variety of procedures.
Due to the aforementioned advantages, the CO2 laser is well suited for treating premalignant lesions, such as leukoplakias, as well as cancerous and aggressive benign tumors of the larynx, pharynx, oral cavity and lips by total excision in cutting mode or ablation (performed on premalignant forms) [2]. Many surgeons maintain that the CO2 laser coagulates blood and lymphatic vessels at the surgical margins – and this brings down the amount of hematogenous and lymphatic seeding and potential metastasis and reduces recurrence rates [3,4,5]. Strauss and Coleman [1] point out that in comparison with traditional blade surgery, oral laser surgery allows for better visibility with a bloodless field and more precise tissue removal, without harming tissue that surrounds the lesion.
Some of the Many Uses of the CO2 Laser Oral Surgery
The LightScalpel CO2 laser system is a useful tool in a wide variety of soft-tissue oral laser surgery procedures. The list below names just a few laser-assisted oral laser surgery applications. LightScalpel laser oral surgery FDA cleared indications:
- Frenum release/frenectomy
- Abscess (drainage)
- Flap surgery
- Biopsy (incisional & excisional)
- Aphthous ulcers (incision & excision)
- Excision & ablation of lesions, benign & malignant lesions, oral cavity tumors, and hemangioma
- Salivary gland pathologies
- Preprosthetic gum preparation, leukoplakia
- Partial glossectomy
- Periodontal gum resection
- Homeostasis
- Operculectomy
- Crown lengthening (soft tissue)
- Incision of infection when used with antibiotic therapy
- Extraction site hemostasis
ADA, Standards Committee on Dental Products Former Chairwoman of American Academy of Oral Medicine Member of World Dental Federation, AAOM Liaison Academy of General Dentistry, Academy of Laser Dentistry, Academy of Prosthodontics, American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, American Academy of Oral Medicine, American Academy of Women Dentists, American Diabetes Association, DC Leadership Board, American Equilibration Society, American Red Cross, American Society of Laser & Medical Surgery, District of Columbia Dental Society, District of Columbia Renaissance Dental Study Club, Global Health Council International College of Prosthodontists, Maimonides Dental Study Club, Michigan Dental Association, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Pankey Institute, Renaissance Dental Study Club, Seattle Study Club, and Trigeminal Neuralgia Association Chevy Chase, MD
I trust and rely on the CO2 technology by LightScalpel to give me the outstanding delivery of science and technology so I can help my patients experience and benefit from optimal treatment therapies with improved healing times and results.
President, American Board of Laser Surgery; Fellow, American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery; American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery...
Did a quad bleph and vaporized elevated lesions on face. Machine and variable spot size handpiece performed perfectly and air purge dialed down exactly as you showed me. Very cool machine. Definitely an upgrade! It’s the difference between a Chevy Malibu and a Bentley Continental GT…both good, reliable cars, but the Bentley gets you there quicker, more precisely, more comfortably and in Style, Babe!!
Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, Founder of the Ortho Perio Institute, Newtown Square, PA
After 5 years doing frenectomies with electrosurgery and testing different lasers, I finally arrived with the optimal solution. LightScalpel is the most efficient soft tissue laser I have tried. Working with kids and infants I can’t recommend a better one.
Chairman, Continuing Education for Essential Dental Systems, Member of the American Dental Association, the New Jersey Dental Association, the Bergen County Dental Society, the American Academy of Dental Practice Administration, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Society of Dental Aesthetics, and the Academy of Laser Dentistry. Hoboken, NJ
The laser enables us to achieve some really dramatic results for soft tissue. By sealing blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and nerve endings, my laser enables me to operate with a dry surgical field; meanwhile, the clinical benefits of reduced pain, minimal bleeding and faster recovery for my patients cannot be stressed enough… the CO2 wavelength is far superior for the soft-tissue surgeries I’m doing.
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Journal Publications
References
- Strauss, RA, Coleman, M: Lasers in Major Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, In Convissar, RA, editor: Principles and Practice of Laser Dentistry, 2011, Mosby.
- Gatone GA, Alling AC: Laser applications in oral and maxillofacial surgery, Philadelphia, 1997, Saunders.
- Lanzafame RJ, Rogers DW, Naim JO, et al: The effect of CO2 laser excision on local tumor recurrence, Lasers Surg Med 6(2):103-105, 1986.
- Lanzafame RJ, Rogers DW, Naim JO, et al: Reduction of local tumor recurrence by excision with the CO2 laser, Lasers Surg Med 6(5):439-441, 1986.
- Apfelberg DB, Master MR, Lash H, et al: CO2 laser resection for giant perineal condyloma and verrucous carcinoma, Ann Plast Surg 11(5):417-422, 1983.
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