Lasers in Pediatric Dentistry

Corresponding author: Dr. Hector R. Martinez Menchaca DDS, MSc, 501 South Preston Street. Louisville, KY. 40202, USA, Tel: (502) 852-5312; e-mail: [email protected] Since the first laser accepted by the Food and Drug Administration, specifically for dental practice, the neodymiumyttrium-aluminum-garner (Nd:YAG), major steps forward in science and technology have been applied to improve dentistry [1]. These advances have resulted in modernized workflows providing accurate and effective treatments. Currently, the use of the different types of lasers could change the pattern of dental practice, and are classified by diverse manners according to: Tissue applicability (soft or hard tissues); the lasing medium utilized (gas or solid lasers); the range of wavelength; and the risk related with its application [2]. In pediatric dental procedures the different types of lasers have various uses that need to be clarified (Table 1). Including diagnostic purposes as the laser fluorescence applied for detection of oclussal caries and carcinogenic lesions. Relevant to the use of lasers well-defined protections should be taken to guarantee their safe and efficient application. The dentist, assistant and patient must utilize protective eyewear. The use of cautioning marks posted outside the nominal exposure area safeguarding that the laser is in good operating order. High volume suction should be utilized to clear any vapor plume generated during tissue ablation especially of viral lesions in immunocompromised patient to prevention of infection [3]. Furthermore, palliative pharmacological treatments may be more adequate in these patients to avoid viral transmission [4]. Each dental office should have a Laser Safety Officer to control the appropriate application of the laser, organize staff training, supervise the use of protective eyewear, and know the related regulations (infection protocol, biosafety protocol and medicolegal considerations) [5]. The dentist should take a course from a reputable laser provider with the purpose of use the correct laser specific for the indicate procedure. The parents or tutors prior to initiation of laser application must sign informed consent. Lasers permit pediatric dentists to offer an integral management and are safe and successful when the operator has an appropriate training. Applying laser for dental caries elimination, bone removal, and soft and hard tissues treatments can decrease postoperative infections and anxiety in infants, children, adolescents, and persons with special health care needs. In soft tissues will reduce the use of