Altayeb Walid

Walid Altayeb, DDS, MSc, PhD, Algeria

Dr. Walid Altayeb (DDS), completed his Master and PhD in Periodontics from Damascus University (MScD, PhD). Master of Academy of Laser Dentistry ALD, Florida, USA. ALD Board of Directors and the chair of International Relations Committee, he is the founder and chair of ALD Gulf Laser Chapter, as well as the founder of the Professional Diploma in AdvancedLaser Dentistry of the British Academy of Implant and Restorative Dentistry. He received the “John G. Sulewski” Distinguished Service Award (2019) from ALD.
General secretary of iLED conferences, Dr. Altayeb is working in private as periodontist and Implantologist in Qatar and UAE.

Title: Are the Multi Wavelength Diodes a Luxury or a Necessity?

Background: The clinical application of lasers in oral soft-tissue surgery has continued to expand in the last two decades. Diode lasers are becoming quite popular due to economic and ergonomic considerations. Diode wavelengths in the visible spectrum (450 and 650 nm) and in near-infrared spectrum (980 nm) are widely used in dentistry.

Clinical Implications: Diode laser wavelengths are absorbed mainly by hemoglobin and melanin. Differences in their absorption characteristics require amendment of the treatment protocols for each wavelength including the laser settings (energy and exposure duration) and mode of application (contact or noncontact). Soft tissue ablation, disinfection, biostimulation, and hemostasis
without causing collateral thermal damage are the desired clinical outcomes and could be achieved by using the appropriate diode wavelengths to target the specific chromophores at various depths in the oral tissues. The 450-nm wavelength has greater absorption in hemoglobin and melanin compared to other infrared wavelengths. This provides an opportunity to achieve tissue
ablation using the photothermal effect (noncontact mode) and more efficient coagulation. The 980-nm wavelength has deeper penetration than 450 nm which leads to remarkable disinfection in periodontal diseases. The 650-nm wavelength is one of the optimal wavelengths for photobiomodulation due to its deep penetration and ability to irradiate the deep tissues with relatively low
energy that accelerates wound healing and relieves pain.

Conclusion: Understanding the optical properties and absorption characteristics of diode laser wavelengths is the key to achieve the clinical goals without causing collateral thermal damage.

Educational Objectives:
· Outline the biologic laser-tissue interaction of different diode laser wavelengths.
· Determine how to select between the different diode wavelengths.
· Employ the absorption characteristics of diode wavelengths to achieve the ideal
clinical goals.