This week's On-Track Tuesday blog is written by Lorraine Gambacourt, RDH and Laser Trainer with rdhu!

Take Your Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy Program To A Whole New Level!

It has been more than 10 years since the diode laser made its introduction into Dental Hygiene Practice. Kudos to the many dental hygienists that embraced this as an adjunct to periodontal therapy in those early years! Laser technology has evolved substantially since then and a significant number of scientific studies have been published since the 90’s.

Most of us have been well educated on the Oral Systemic Connection. We know so much more now about the impact of high-risk periodontal pathogens and chronic inflammation on systemic health and periodontal tissue breakdown. It makes sense to introduce laser technology as a supportive adjunct to help improve our treatment outcomes. Furthermore, with the end of the pandemic still not in sight, the integration of the diode laser to our hygiene therapy protocols may prove to be even more advantageous. Lets take a look at some of the benefits of laser bacterial reduction:

· Reduction of bacterial load benefits both client and clinician. Using prior to ultrasonics will significantly reduce bacteria in aerosols

· Laser energy penetrates deep into the tissues, reducing bacterial populations (even the tough guys that are not eliminated from scaling and root planning) and delays recolonization for up to 90 days

· Microbial kill beyond what a pre-procedural rinse can provide

· Reduces risk of bacteremia

· Reduction of prostaglandins

· Stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen necessary for reattachment of the periodontal ligament

· Targets high-risk pathogens! (Pg, Tf, Aa, Pi)

· Treat apthous ulcers and herpetic lesions: Reduced sensitivity/faster healing time and in addition, rarely will a herpetic lesion return to the location treated with the laser. You will make a friend for life while providing a valuable service!

· Reduce tooth sensitivity with effect lasting up to a year

· PAINLESS!

It takes 25-30 years for science to catch up with technology to the point where we feel comfortable introducing new products. Well guess what? That time has come and the time is NOW to embrace and integrate the diode laser into your clinical practice! Several companies are now introducing new diode lasers to the dental world, some more specific to hygiene use.

More and more Dentists are encouraging the hygienists in their practice to acquire this new skillset to enhance their NSPT program and improve treatment outcomes.

Join me on January 30th and 31st for the theoretical component, followed by hands-on training Feb 20th where we will explore the science and the many benefits of the diode laser to help you take your NSPT program to a whole new level!

Lorraine Gambacourt, RDH

Thank you, Lorraine!

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead. Please take a look at below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen