title: Laser curettage: where do we stand?
abstract: The literature suggests that curettage has no benefit beyond traditional scaling and root planing. However, claims abound as to the benefits of curettage with the laser, including less postoperative pain, less bleeding, and reduction in microbial count. This paper explores whether any of these claims are true and whether laser curettage has any benefit in periodontal treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics at Louisianna State University School of Dentistry, New Orleans 70119-2799, USA.
authors.forename: Douglas N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Dederich
authors.forename: Gerald I
authors.initials: GI
authors.lastname: Drury
mesh_terms: D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000528:radiation effects; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects; D009354:Neodymium; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D010519:Periodontium / Q000528:radiation effects; D013357:Subgingival Curettage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000528:radiation effects
chemical_list: D009354:Neodymium