Closed Flap with Ultraguide

Case Summary:

The patient presented with generalized mild adult periodontitis with a 6 mm probing on #3 MB with associated edematous gingiva and bleeding. The clinical objective was to remove inflamed, granulomatous tissue from periodontal pocket and reduce probing depth.

Technique Used:

Only TAC topical anesthetic was used. The entire procedure was performed using the “Hard and Soft Tissue” setting, 0.25 mm spot size and 60% mist with cutting speed between 20% - 50%. The procedure started at gingival margin with the Ultraguide handpiece (600 micron tip, 15 mm length), working apically to base of pocket. Significant granulation tissue from epithelial lining was ablated and flushed out by mist. Finally, a piezo scaler was used and then pressure was applied to surgical site with wet gauze for 2 minutes. The total laser time was approximately 2 minutes and the total procedure time was approximately 15 minutes.

Solea Advantage:

With traditional instruments, this procedure would be completed with a scalpel. This would entail an injection of anesthetic, bleeding and sutures, likely taking more than 45 minutes to complete. With other lasers, the patient would likely require an injection of anesthetic and there would most likely have been more bleeding, as a flap would have been laid. With Solea, this procedure was completed anesthesia-free. As such, this procedure was a minimally invasive periodontal surgery with rapid healing, without the need for local anesthetic or sutures. As the one week follow-up shows, the tissue appears healthy with pink gingiva exhibiting classic stippling and coral pink color. At 6 weeks, probing down from initial 6 mm to 3 mm.