The Uses of Low Level Lasers in General Dental Practice

A number of applications of low-level laser light have emerged, which utilise either the specific wavelength/chromophore relationship, or the inherent accuracy of a collimated beam. The most significant uses are listed as follows:

-Photobiostimulation

-Composite resin curing

-Caries detection

-(PAD)Photo-activated disinfection

-Laser scanning (restorative dentistry, orthodontics)

(PAD)Photo Activated Disinfection

PAD is a unique combination of a photosensitizer solution and low-power laser light. The photosensitizer, which is mostly colored, adheres to or gets absorbed by microbial cells. In this perspective, the metaphor of microbial terrorist soldiers getting hit by paintball bullets is appropriate. To win the war against these terrorists, though, a bullet of paint will not be sufficient. The low-power laser will hit the marked targets and inactivate those microbial invaders.

This approach utilises light indirectly to trigger photosensitive agents to release antibacterial chemicals such as reactive oxygen species, rather than directly acting on the cells as in photobiomodulation.

The concept is internationally called PACT (Photodynamic Antimicrobial Chemo Therapy),aPDT(antimicrobial photodynamic therapy),LAD (Light Activated Disinfection) or PDT(Photodynamic Therapy).