DIODE LASERS IN PERIODONTICS
A recent article in the Journal of Periodontology looking at the clinical effectiveness of diode laser therapy as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal treatment revealed the following:
CROWN LENGTHENING
In a different vein, a study was recently completed on the effect of aesthetic crown lengthening and perceptions of an individual’s attractiveness, friendliness, trustworthiness, intelligence and self confidence. The study involved patients with excessive gingival display who were photographed and then the same photographs were digitally altered to show a normal, more aesthetic display of teeth and gingiva. Dental students and nondental students were asked to evaluate their impressions of the individual based upon the photographs.
The criteria used were purely subjective but the conclusions were interesting. Excessive gingival display did negatively affect how attractive a person’s smile was judged. In addition, the perception of a person’s friendliness, trustworthiness, intelligence, and self-confidence was inversely related to the amount of gum gingiva displayed (i.e. another argument in favor of aesthetic improvement vis-à-vis crown lengthening for individuals who have an excessive gingival display upon smiling and speaking).
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A recent article in the Journal of Periodontology looking at the clinical effectiveness of diode laser therapy as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal treatment revealed the following:
- Scaling and root planing as a stand-alone treatment was compared to scaling and root planing with the use of the laser. Looking at clinical parameters that would be measurable, the following conclusions were made:
- To quote the authors: "The adjunctive use of a 980nm diode laser compared to conventional scaling and root planing without it did not show clinical relevance or clinical benefit." There has been a great emphasis on the use of laser in dentistry, particularly in periodontics. This article is one of increasing literature being written comparing the benefits of lasers to conventional treatment. The conclusions of the authors are significant and will be followed I’m sure in the future by similar studies.
CROWN LENGTHENING
In a different vein, a study was recently completed on the effect of aesthetic crown lengthening and perceptions of an individual’s attractiveness, friendliness, trustworthiness, intelligence and self confidence. The study involved patients with excessive gingival display who were photographed and then the same photographs were digitally altered to show a normal, more aesthetic display of teeth and gingiva. Dental students and nondental students were asked to evaluate their impressions of the individual based upon the photographs.
The criteria used were purely subjective but the conclusions were interesting. Excessive gingival display did negatively affect how attractive a person’s smile was judged. In addition, the perception of a person’s friendliness, trustworthiness, intelligence, and self-confidence was inversely related to the amount of gum gingiva displayed (i.e. another argument in favor of aesthetic improvement vis-à-vis crown lengthening for individuals who have an excessive gingival display upon smiling and speaking).
Click here to print a copy of this article
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