The Diode Laser as an Electrosurgery Replacement

Advantages of Diode Lasers Over Electrosurgery

The term “electrosurgery” is not as well known or as accepted by many patients as the term “lasers.” Having said this, the acceptance of this technology in both medicine and dentistry, as a viable method of soft-tissue alteration has made electrosurgery an accepted alternative to the scalpel.


The diode laser has become a popular technology as an alternative for tissue management compared to the traditional methodology of placing a single or double retraction cord in the
sulcus. Many CEREC users routinely use the diode laser to enhance the gingival trough when the margin is either equi-gingival or subgingival, prior to powdering their prep for their digital
impression. The diode laser can be used in almost all instances to produce gingival retraction as an alternative to cord with excellent results both in terms of gingival retraction and margin delineation for the laboratory. Diodes, like electrosurgical units, offer the clinician the ability to work in a bloodless field for the impressions because of the hemostasis that occurs during the procedure. Unlike electrosurgical units where recession can be an issue, as can postoperative pain, diode lasers offer the clinician the ability to precisely remove overhanging, inflamed tissue while creating a gingival trough that is not likely to cause damage to bone, cementum, or pulp tissue like electrosurgical units can.

www.gigaalaser.com