Boris Gaspirc: Laser-Assisted Periodontal Plastic Surgery
Periodontal plastic surgery is designed to restore form and function to the gum tissue, periodontal ligament, and the bone that supports teeth or an individual tooth. Most periodontal esthetic procedures can be grouped into one of the following areas: crown lengthening, alveolar ridge preservation/augmentation, soft-tissue grafts, and the correction of an open interproximal space. Soft-tissue abnormalities, with the exception of the loss of the interproximal papilla, can be resolved predictably, improving aesthetics and even creating restorative opportunities. In addition to a discussion of the conventional periodontal plastic surgery, an overview of possible laser-assisted periodontal plastic surgery procedures will be presented. The use of microsurgical laser-assisted techniques has enhanced the predictability and success rate whilst also minimizing post-operative discomfort. Especially, the Er:YAG laser is safe and convenient for esthetic periodontal soft-tissue management due to clear-cut ablation of soft tissues as well as fast and favorable wound healing.