Incision and Coagulation/Hemostasis Depth Control During A CO2 Laser Lingual Frenectomy

Overview

Educational aims

This article addresses the control over (1) the Depth of Incision, and (2) the Depth of Coagulation / Hemostasis during a CO₂ laser frenectomy, and (3) illustrates these concepts through a Case Study: the revision of a tongue tie that was previously released with a hot tip diode.

Expected outcomes

Dental Sleep Practice subscribers can answer the CE questions to earn 2 hours of CE from reading this article.  

·       Learn that laser’s ability to photothermally cut and coagulate soft tissue depends on laser wavelength.

·       Learn that CO₂ laser is neither the best coagulator like diode, nor the best cutter like Erbium laser, but allows for just deep enough coagulation depth on the surgical margin when cutting photothermally.

·       Learn that the depth of CO₂ laser incision is proportional to laser fluence. It is proportional to laser power and inversely proportional to laser beam diameter and hand speed.

·       Learn that the depth of CO₂ laser incision during frenectomies can be adjusted to a fraction of a millimeter, while the depth of coagulation can be maintained under 100 µm for the utmost control and for the minimal collateral damage.

 

Only paid Dental Sleep Practice US subscribers are eligible to receive a certificate upon completion of passing the test. To become a DSP subscriber, please go to: https://medmarksubscriptions.com/

Prerequisites : None
Sponsor(s): None

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