Minimizing risk of infection using a carbon dioxide laser

The carbon dioxide laser is a surgical device increasingly important to dentistry. The advantages of laser use in the treatment of oral disease have been well documented. Such benefits include bloodless incisions, accurate tissue destruction, reduced pain, minimal swelling, excellent hemostasis, and limited postoperative tissue morbidity. Little information exists currently regarding laser use in the management of medically complex patients, most notably patients with infectious diseases. This article reports the use of the carbon dioxide laser for reducing the risks of disease transmission in the surgical management of an human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive patient. The CO₂ laser is a surgical instrument gaining increased recognition in dentistry. Because this tool offers important infection control advantages, the laser is recommended for use in the surgical care of patients who harbor bloodborne pathogens. By reducing the risks of occupational transmission, unwarranted fears are minimized concerning the management of infectious patients.