Contributor

Prof. A. Minovska -FYROM

Country -institution

School of Dentistry, Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, FYROM

Title

Laser assisted periodontal tretment using Nd:YAG and Er:YAG wavelengths.

Summary

Based on Albert Einstein's theory of spontaneous and stimulated emission of radiation, Maiman developed the first laser prototype in 1960. The application of  a laser to dental tissue was reported by Ster and Sognnaes  and Goldman et al. in 1964 describing the effects of ruby laser on enamel and dentine with a disappointing result. However, the current relationship of dentistry with the laser takes its origins from an article published in 1985 by Myers and Myers, describing the in vivo removal of dental caries using a modified ophthalmic Nd:YAG laser. With respect to the monochromatic nature of laser light, a number of emission wavelengths have been developed that, for the purposes of current clinical dentistry, span the visible to the far infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum (approximately 400-10,600 nm). Those recent advances and developments of wide range of laser wavelengths and different  delivery systems suggest that the lasers could be applied for the dental treatments including periodontal, restorative and surgical treatments.

Laser treatment is expected to serve as an alternative or adjunctive to conventional mechanical periodontal treatment. Currently there are  different types of lasers available, which possess characteristics suitable for dental treatment, due to its dual ability to ablate soft and hard tissues with minimal damage. In addition, its bactericidal effect with elimination of lipopolysaccharide, ability to remove bacterial plaque and calculus, irradiation effect limited to an ultra-thin layer of tissue, faster bone and soft tissue repair, make it a promising tool for periodontal treatment including scaling and root surface debridement. Hereof arise that  laser therapy, or laser-assisted paeriodontal therapy, may be promising new approaches in periodontics.

The application of Nd:YAG has been recommended for bacterial elimination as well as for soft tissue debridement within periodontal pockets as an adjunct in nonsurgical pocket therapy, in combination with mechanical instrumentation. This is because of the bactericidal and detoxification effects of these lasers in addition to their precise cutting ability for removal of the pocket-lining epithelium. The Er:YAG laser may hold the most promise for root surface debridement such as calculus removal and decontamination, as an adjunctive or alternative to mechanical debridement. The Er:YAG laser might be a potential approach to provide comprehensive treatment for both soft and hard tissues within periodontal pockets and intrabony defects. The Er:YAG laser has also been shown to be effective and easy to use for granulation tissue removal and root surface debridement during surgical procedures.

Finally, in order to have a successful periodontal treatment in long term, patients need to be motivated. It is not so much the technology but the motivation and psychology that matter when it comes to practice of oral hygiene before, during and after the periodontal treatment to maintain a good and stable periodontal condition.

Curriculum Vitae

Date of birth: December, 21th, 1953

Qualifications
1978, D.D.S., School of Dentistry, Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje

1983, Specialization in Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje

1994, Ph.D., Comparative evaluation of surgical techniques for vestibule extension of attached gingiva, School of Dentistry, Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje

Continuing education and professional development:

1989, University of Belgrade School of Dentistry

2006, Advanced education in cosmetic dentistry Lumineers, DenMat California

2007, Advanced Er/Nd:Yag laser course, University Hospital Aachen (UKA),

Residency programs:

1982, Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto

1991, Faculty of Dentistry University of Vienna

1998, Faculty of Dentistry, Fort Myers University, USA

Professional Activities

1999, Public Health Institution "University Dentistry Clinic Center St. Pantelejmon - Skopje", Deputy Director

2003, President of the Macedonian Dental Association and member of the BaSS council, member of editorial board of the official BaSS Journal

2005, Prof. in the Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje

2005, Vice Dean of Academic Affairs of School of Dentistry, Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje and Director of Dental Hygienists School

2005, Project manager, Dental program for primary health care of Ministry of health-RM, in cooperation with the World Bank

2005, Promoter and Coordinator of the dental continuing education process, in cooperation with Dental Chamber of RM

2006, Project manager of "Dental Implantology in South Eastern Europe" project, Skopje - "Intensifying of the corporation, education and research between the dental faculties in South Eastern Europe" a project supported by DAAD,Germany

2006, Invited lecturer at UNI Sofia, "Intensifying of the corporation, education and research between the dental faculties in South Eastern Europe" a project supported by DAAD, Germany

2006, President of IV^th Congress of the Dentists of Macedonia with International Participation "Aesthetic in dentistry"

2006, Founder of Macedonian Dental News, journal of Macedonian Stomatological Society

2007, Laser dentistry lecturer for Fotona's Dentistry Laser Systems

2007, Invited speaker, "Problem-based approach in treatment planning of the patient with complex dental problems - referral to a specialist?, II Congress of dentistry of BiH, Teslic

2008, Coordinator of the "Oral Health Month" project, in cooperation with Colgate

2009, President of the Vth Congress of the dentists of Macedonia with International Participation "Advanced dentistry-challenges and solutions"

Books

2004, Author of the book "Professionalism and team work ", School of Dentistry, Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje

2005, Author of the book "Oral hygiene ", School of Dentistry, Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje

2008, Author of the book "Periodontology", School of Dentistry, Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje

Honors and Awards

Throughout her fruitful career she's received many awards and acknowledgements such as:

-          Plaque for the 35^th Aniversary of the Dental School in Skopje,

-          Macedonian Medical Association Certificate

-          Plaque from the Macedonian Medical Association