Diode laser and electrosurgical unit : which is the best? When talking about these two dental instruments it is necessary to reflect on how they work, but also on the pros and cons in order to choose the one that will best meet the requirements considered essential for the use for which they are needed.
The dental laser is considered the new frontier for the treatment of dental problems, both functional and aesthetic. Useful for treating periodontitis, in surgery, in implantology, endodontics, biostimulation, for treating dentinal hypersensitivity, caries and abscesses, but also for whitening. In short a single instrument for multiple functions.
Electrosurgery unit and dental laser: which is more versatile?
The answer to this question is very simple. While the electrosurgical unit performs the main functions in a dental practice, the laser provides much more help.
The operating mechanism of the first allows very limited therapeutic treatments to be carried out, whereas the second is designed to meet an extremely wide range of needs.
The diode laser in dentistry offers a number of significant advantages, such as:
- Precise and minimally invasive surgery
- Reduced bleeding and swelling
- Faster healing
- No anaesthesia required
- Less post-operative pain
- Decontamination of implant insertion sites
- Can also be used in the presence of metal structures
- Can also be used on patients with pacemakers
- Can be used in many different areas
The advantage of the electrosurgical unit, on the other hand, is mainly related to its speed, the possibility of equipping it with multiple autoclavable tips, but also to its high hemostasis.
What are the weaknesses of the diode laser and electrosurgical units?
On the negative side of the diode laser, we cannot fail to mention the initial financial investment, which is very high compared to that of the electrosurgical unit, without forgetting that it will be essential to undergo a period of training with professional technicians to learn how to use it correctly and exploit its full potential.
In comparison with the diode laser, the electrosurgical unit has many weaknesses. It is not very precise, it is riskier, especially when it comes to tissue treatment, it can cause osteonecrosis, it does not allow tissue biostimulation and bacterial decontamination, it cannot be used near metal structures and on pacemaker patients, and it can be used with caution on diabetics and people undergoing radiotherapy, and it always requires anaesthesia.
In view of the above, it is quite clear that the use of the diode laser is much more advantageous than the classic and outdated electrosurgical unit..
Do you want to find out all the pros and cons of the two instruments in comparison?