Laser-assisted Dental Procedures: Is it a Safe Tool to be Considered in Pregnant Patients? A Brief Review

Abstract

Introduction: Laser technology has recently gained more attention among dentists due to its advantages, such as controlled bleeding as well as reduced pain and inflammation. However, the literature contains insufficient data concerning its safety for use in pregnant patients. The aim of this brief review is to describe what the literature provides us concerning laser treatment for emergency or elective procedures in gravid patients. Materials and Methods: We conducted an electronic search in Medline and Web of Science using the search string ¨dentistry¨ AND ¨laser treatment¨ AND ¨pregnancy¨. Results: We found 4 case reports of laser surgical treatment of pyogenic granuloma in pregnant patients showing no fetal complications. Conclusion: The few reports found in the literature did not show any pregnancy -related or fetal complications stemming from the use of the laser treatment to manage oral pathology during pregnancy. Nevertheless, more investigation and well-designed clinical trials are necessary to determine the safety of the use of various laser wavelengths for emergency or elective dental treatments during pregnancy.