Laser-induced fluorescence for subgingival calculus detection: scientific rational and clinical application in periodontology.

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.