Laser applications in OMF surgery Posted on 16 Jun 00:00 , 0 comments
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 performed 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 popular 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, portable, office-based lasers with improved intraoral delivery systems have made it possible to treat even minor routine procedures in the clinic.