title: Laser arthroscopy of the temporomandibular joint.
abstract: Laser surgery is very different than traditional surgery. The clinician must be familiar with the physical properties of the laser to use this instrument safely and properly. Various lasers are available for use in oral and maxillofacial surgery and dentistry, namely the carbon dioxide laser, the neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser, and the holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser (Ho:YAG). Only the Ho:YAG laser has been used with effectiveness in temporomandibular joint arthroscopic surgery.
authors.affiliation: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gerard
authors.forename: B H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Hendler
mesh_terms: D020679:Arthroscopes; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D019723:Endoscopes; D006695:Holmium; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation; D009354:Neodymium; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D009354:Neodymium; D006695:Holmium