KEY3 Laser Treatment Applications in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery-Juniper publishers
JUNIPER PUBLISHERS-OPEN ACCESS JOURNAL OF HEAD NECK & SPINE SURGERY
Abstract
The KEY3 is an advanced Er:YAGlaser system with an
inbuilt fluorescence diagnostic system. The laser can be operated
manually or with the aid of fluorescence guidance. The latter can be
used for “autopilot” guidance of laser surgical procedures. The laser
wavelength of 2.94μm is effective for ablating soft tissues as well as
bone and tooth structure.
Mini Review
The KEY3 Laser (KaVo, Biberach, Germany) is an Er:YAG laser system with a wide range of clinical applications in dentistry [1-3].
The laser incorporates an Indium Gallium Arsenide Phosphate visible red
diode laser which emits at 655 nm, as an excitation source for
fluorescence diagnostics. This is based on the same laser wavelength
being used in stand-alone diagnostic devices [4-9]. Fluorescence information can be used to guide the clinician in detecting sites of bacterial infection and disease [10,11], including on the surfaces of teeth [12,13]. The feedback allows selective ablation of target surfaces once a threshold has been passed [1,14]. In effect, the fluorescence serves as an autopilot to control the firing of ablative pulses of Er:YAG laser energy [15].

The laser wavelength of 2.94μm gives effective
ablation of soft tissues as well as bone and tooth structure. A range of
surgical procedures have pre-set parameters, and the clinician chooses
from several on screen menus (Figure 1).
Listed applications include apicectomy, frenectomy, exposure of the
sulcus, drying of the sulcus or stemming of blood flow, implant
exposure, treatment of herpes or aphthous ulcers, fibroma excision,
incision of abscesses, treatment of oral mucosal diseases,
vestibuloplasty, incisions and excisions, removal of impacted third
molars, removal of exostoses, and remodelling of the gingiva. Other
applications which have been undertaken include gingivectomy,
periodontal flap surgery, and the removal of granulation tissue.

A range of non-contact and contact applicators exist. The latter can be either rigid or flexible (Table 1).
The non-contact window handpiece (No2060) is useful for mucosal
resurfacing and for gingivoplasty, as there is a clear and unobstructed
view of the target surface. Due to a lack of pressure, vibratory or
thermal stimuli from the treatment site, most procedures are almost
pain-free. A high water irrigant flow rate ensures overall cooling
during surgery. For most procedures, there is no requirement
for suturing, and so the need for local anaesthetic injections can often
be eliminated. Such benefits reduce operating time and make procedures
suitable for in-office delivery, particularly for young children and
anxious adult patients.
The strong water absorption ensures that laser
treated sites are rendered free of microbial contamination, providing
good conditions for healing [16-20].
Using a non-contact handpiece, incisions as well as excisional
procedures can be undertaken, including the removal of common oral
lesions. The lased sites have a shallow zone of coagulation, and lased
sites heal quickly with often little or no discomfort.
During procedures such as apicectomy and periodontal
flap surgery where removal of residual microorganisms from the roots of
teeth is critical, using a rigid contact sapphire tip and fluorescence
guidance ensures that the endpoint of a clean site free of bacteria can
be confirmed. Through its germicidal effects [21], Er:YAG laser energy can decontaminate any infected oral surface [22].
In summary, an Er:YAG laser with fluorescence
feedback can provide for benefits for the operator (defined endpoints,
shorter operating time) and for the patient (better outcomes). For
dento-alveolar surgery and oral soft tissue procedures, this laser
system can facilitate better patient outcomes from surgical
interventions.
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