Laser-Induced Fluorescence for Subgingival Calculus Detection: Scientific Rational and Clinical Application in Periodontology

Abstract

Objective: To review the data available on the laser-induced calculus fluorescence phenomenon and the calculus detection devices as well as to determine the clinical relevance of using commercialized calculus detection devices in periodontal treatment. Methods: In vitro or in vivo English publications found on Medline. Results: In vitro and in vivo studies showed that the devices on the market had a satisfactory detection capacity. Very few studies demonstrated that the erbium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Er:YAG) laser debridement, when performed with automatic calculus detection, could lead to improvements at the clinical level, and the outcome was similar to that obtained with conventional treatments. Conclusions: Although preliminary data were encouraging, there was a lack of scientific data concerning the calculus detection devices. Therefore, future studies are crucial for determining the clinical relevance of such equipment.