title: Lasers and soft tissue curettage: an update.
abstract: This article describes how certain dental laser instruments are used adjunctively in the initial phase of the treatment of periodontal disease. The author explains the fundamentals of laser science and tissue interaction and lists the steps of the clinical protocol. Examples of treated clinical cases are shown, and the safety and effectiveness of this instrumentation are discussed.
authors.forename: Donald J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Coluzzi
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003646:Debridement / Q000379:methods; D005884:Gingival Hemorrhage / Q000601:surgery; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000601:surgery; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000601:surgery; D012449:Safety; D013357:Subgingival Curettage / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome