KEY3 Laser Treatment Applications in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery-Juniper Publishers

Juniper Publishers-Open Access Journal of                 Head Neck & Spine Surgery

 

KEY3 Laser Treatment Applications in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

 Authored by LJ Walsh

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.

Keywords: Clinical oral surgery; Er:YAG ablation; KEY3 laser system; Surgical laser applications

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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