In the last decade, there has been a rapid development in the field of medicine, including in the field of dentistry. Technology is used to support the success of treatments, such as the use of lasers for the therapy of recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU). So far, drug consumption and topical treatment for recurrent aphthous ulcers are less efficient and do not completely cure the disease because they cannot prevent recurrence. To overcome this condition, new technology is needed that is able to cure recurrent canker sores completely. The erbium laser, chromium: yattrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er, Cr: YSGG) is a technology capable of curing recurrent canker sores without any sign of recurrence.
In dentistry, Er, Cr: YSGG laser is often used in surgical, endodontic, and periodontic treatments. Er, Cr: YSGG laser has a low thermal effect, thus providing a better healing process than other laser types, due to the minimal side effect of damaging the surrounding tissue. The use of Er, Cr: YSGG laser on wounds can stimulate fibroblasts, collagen, and extracellular matrix formation, thereby accelerating the healing of target tissues. This laser also provides an analgesic effect that will reduce pain in the patient.
The combination of Er, Cr: YSGG laser and hyaluronic acid is an idea for RAU therapy without causing recurrence. Er, Cr: YSGG laser is an infrared laser which has a wavelength of 2780mm which can be absorbed by the collagen, water and hydroxyapatite components. Compared to other lasers, Er, Cr: YSGG laser has the advantage as it causes minimal tissue damage due to less thermal damage, as the heat flows through the evaporation. Furthermore, the Er, Cr: YSGG laser has an effect on TRPVl on sensory neurons, so it can provide an analgesic effect. In addition, Er, Cr: YSGG also has a high bactericidal effect which can reduce the number of bacteria, thereby reducing the need for antibiotics. Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid is a linear polymer of N-acetylglucosamine disaccharides and glucuronic acid. Hyaluronic acid functions for tissue healing and inflammation control. Inflammation control is the main factor to support RAU recovery, because it can accelerate the re-epithelialization process. The combination of laser and HA can form the basis for future therapeutic development in RAU, because it directly targets areas with minimal tissue damage, provides an analgesic effect, as well as stimulates fibroblast formation.
Author: Meircurius Dwi Condro Surboyo, drg., M.Kes
Details of the research can be viewed on:
Ayu Anggraini Broto Nagoro, Pamela Handy Cecilia, Kelvin Alfan Nola Anggrarista, Diah Savitri Ernawati and Meircurius Dwi Condro Surboyo (2020). The efficiency of ER, CR: YSGG laser and hyaluronic acid gel for recurrent aphthous ulcer treatment. Biochemical and Cellular Archives; 20(Supp 1): 3061-3065
