Awareness of laser dentistry among dentists in Tanjore- A survey

Abstract

Diode laser are used for soft tissue surgeries in the oral cavity. The use of laser is limited due to the lack of knowledge, effectiveness and the high cost of laser unit. The use of lasers can decrease morbidity after surgery and reduces the need for anaesthetics. the laser is used for caries prevention, bleaching, restorative removal and curing, cavity preparation, dentinal hypersensitivity, growth modulation and for diagnostic purposes, whereas soft tissue application includes incision, excision, ablation, wound healing, removal of hyperplastic tissue to uncovering of impacted or partially erupted tooth, photodynamic therapy for malignancies, photo stimulation of herpetic lesion. Although dental lasers was introduced in 1964, its knowledge and implementation has increased only in past 15-20 years especially in developing countries like India. In order to evaluate the knowledge on laser and its implementation in the field of dentistry among dentists in Tanjore, this survey was conducted among dentists in Tanjore. This cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out among dentists in Tanjore. A questionnaire consisting of 3 main parts was designed and administered to dentists in Tanjore and knowledge was assessed. The data were entered and analysed statistically. 14% of dentists have adequate knowledge,46% of dentists have moderate knowledge, 39% of dentists have inadequate knowledge. 35% of dentists had practiced laser dentistry before. The well known information among dentists about the dental laser is the lasers application in gingivectomy and crown lengthening. 50% of dentists felt that cost of laser unit is the biggest deterrant in practicing laser dentistry. Most of the dentists have only moderate knowledge on laser. Education should be given on laser to increase its implementation in field of dentistry.