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3/9/2015 Electrosurgery in periodontal therapy
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Electrosurgery in periodontal therapy
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Introduction:
Electrosurgery is the passage of Radio Frequency (RF) or highfrequency electrical current through
tissue to create a desired clinical effect. This high frequency energy is used to cut or coagulate the
tissue. Application of highfrequency electrical current causes tissue to literally vaporize as the
electrode passes through the tissue. The capillaries on either side of the incision wall are sealed.
Hence, the term “Bloodless Surgery“. The electrosurgical units are frequently used during surgical
periodontal therapy. Following is the description of various aspects of electrosurgery in periodontal
therapy.
History:
The initial application of electricity in dentistry and medicine started with application of spark gap
generators (Hyfrecators) in 1907 1 and cautery units (in 1909) 2. Dr. William T. Bovie 3 along with
neurosurgeon, Harvey W. Cushing, M.D., is credited with inventing the electrosurgical unit. The first
use of the electrosurgical generator in an operating room was on October 1, 1926, at Peter Bent,
Brigham Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. Later on with duration of time a lot of advances have
taken place in this technology. It is important to differentiate between electrocautry and
electrosurgery. Electrocautry, unlike electrosurgery, employs a hot thermal knife that is used to
cauterize tissue. It can be used for cutting but is generally more destructive to tissue and also post
operative healing is prolonged.
Principles of Electrosurgery:
When radio frequency electrical current is applied to the tissue, the electromagnetic energy is
converted in the cells first to kinetic energy then to thermal energy. The desired effect in the tissue is
determined by a number of electrical properties as well as factors such as tissue exposure time and the
size and shape of the surface of the electrode near to or in contact with the target tissue. This whole
procedure requires the creation of an electrical circuit that includes two electrodes, the patient, the
electrosurgical unit, and the connecting wires. There are two kinds of instruments, bipolar and
unipolar. Bipolar instruments have both electrodes mounted on the device, usually located on or near
to the distal end so that only the tissue located between the two electrodes is included in the circuit. In
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unipolar instruments only one electrode is mounted on the device and the entire patient is interposed
between this “active electrode” and the large dispersive electrode that is also attached to the
electrosurgical unit, but located relatively distant from the target tissue, typically on the thigh or back.
The amount of energy delivered to the tissue during the procedure depends upon inherent properties
of electrical current which are current (I), voltage (V), and impedance or resistance (R).
Electrodes:
Electrosurgery unit is composed of two electrodes 4, passive electrode which acts as an antenna to
draw the radio signals back to the radiosurgial unit and an active electrode which is the cutting tip of
the radiosurgery unit.
Passive electrodes:
As already stated, passive electrode acts as an antenna to draw the radio signals back to the
radiosurgial unit. There are several types of passive electrodes available. These include metallic plate,
coated/ insulated passive electrodes, matellic wrist band, matellic hand held rod and Perma ground.
Active electrodes:
Active electrodes are used for doing cutting of the tissue or coagulation. They are designed in various
forms according to the function for which they are going to be utilized. Needle like active electrodes
are used for the cutting of the tissue whereas electrodes with a greater surface area at tip are used for
coagulation.
The physics of waveforms and lateral heat production in electrosurgery:
Waveforms and their properties:
Fully rectified filtered waveform:
It is a pure continuous flow of high frequency energy where filtration results in a continuous non
pulsating flow of current which provides microsmooth cutting. In this type of waveform, the lateral
heat production is least. It is the only waveform that allows cutting in close proximity to bone due to
minimum amount of lateral heat production. With this type of waveform, an incision similar to the
scalpel blade is produced. Oscilloscope is a device that is used to measure the waveform produced. A
fully rectified filtered waveform is remunerated on an oscilloscope as a smooth unmodulated or
uninterrupted radiowave
Applications:
The applications for the filtered waveform include the following,
Biopsy procedure: With this waveform no coagulation is produced, thus providing a clean cut
of specimen for the pathologist’s diagnosis.
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Frenectomies.
Incision and drainage.
Grafting procedures.
Mucogingival or osseous surgery.
Implant flaps.
Fully rectified waveform:
Applications:
Gingivectomy/ gingivoplasty like procedures.
Palatal stripping of hyperplastic palate.
Epulis removal and ridge recontour.
Pulpotomies.
Periocoronal flap removal.
Removal of tissue exposing gingival margin tooth decay.
Removal of tissue for visibility while doing anterior composite restorations.
Removing interproximal tissue for ease of matrix placement and elimination of overhanging
margins.
Removing tissue around fractured facings and crowns for ease of facing reconstruction.
Removing tissue to facilitate placement of bonded bridge.
Partially rectified waveform:
It is an intermittent flow of the highfrequency current which is excellent in producing hemostasis of
the soft tissue. Due to waveform characteristics, a large amount of lateral heat and tissue shrinkage is
produced with this waveform. Therefore, it is not used for coagulation in close proximity to the bone
or when performing osseous surgery.
Applications:
The applications for the partially rectified waveform include the following:
Coagulation of soft tissue.
Desensitizing dentin and cementum from cervical erosion.
Fulguration waveform:
It is a half wave current that has dehydrating effect on the tissue with greatest amount of lateral heat
production. It is mainly used for coagulation and destruction of cyst remnants only and can be used
near the bone as electrodes do not touch tissue. Electrosurgical fulguration coagulates and chars the
tissue over a wide area. It utilizes sparking with the coagulation waveform of electrical current. To
overcome the high impedance of air, the coagulation waveform has significantly higher voltage than
the cutting current. The electrode is usually spear or pencil shaped and is placed 0.5 mm above the
soft tissue surface. When activated, a spark is produced by the initial surge of current, this spark
jumps from the electrode causing coagulation.
Applications:
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The applications of the fulguration waveform are as follows:
Hemostasis involving the osseous surgery.
Removal and destruction of any cyst remanants from biopsy and epicoectomy.
Destruction or enucleation of any fistulous tracks.
Coagulation of any pin point pulpal exposure.
Lateral heat:
The resistance of the tissue to electrical wave produces a certain amount of heat. This heat is called as
lateral heat. The quality of wave and lateral heat production are related to each other. The following
formula is applicable to the amount of lateral heat production,
Lateral heat (LH) = T+ AC+ EF + CS / TI
LH = Lateral Heat.
T = Time.
AC = Amplitude of Current.
EF = Electrode Form.
CS = Current Selection.
TI = Tissue Impedance.
The lateral heat production is different for different waveforms. The waveform is chosen according to
the desired effect of the tissue. The faster the active electrode is passed over the tissue, the lesser the
lateral heat. The active electrode must not remain in contact with tissue for more than 1 to 2 seconds
at a time.
One study evaluated generation of lateral heat by various waveforms by measuring the rise in tissue
temperature. They found temperature rises of 5 to 86oF dependent upon the type of current, time of
current application and the distance from the electrode 5. Another study demonstrated that lateral heat
production adjacent to a fine wire needle electrode emitting fully rectifiedfiltered current was
dependent upon the time of incision 6. The authors of this study demonstrated a waiting period of
minimum 8 seconds between subsequent incisions in the same area to avoid the adverse effects of
lateral heat on the tissue. Same authors in another study demonstrated that this time interval varies
according to the type of active electrode used. They found that an activated loop electrode generated
more energy during surgery than a needle electrode. They demonstrated that a cooling interval of 15
seconds was necessary to properly dissipate heat between successive entries into the same area of
tissue with a loop electrode 7.
Clinical procedure:
According to Krejci et al 8, following clinical procedure should be employed during electrosurgery,
A fully rectified filtered waveform at high frequency should be used to create intraoral
incisions.
The smallest electrode should be used to make incision at a minimum rate of 7 mm/s.
Between two successive electrode applications at the same site, a cooling period of 8 seconds
should be allowed. This waiting period should be increased to upto 15 seconds if a loop
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electrode is used, such as for excisional procedures.
Care should be taken not to contact the cemental surface of the tooth as well as regions where
connective tissue reattachment is desired.
While working in proximity of bone care should be taken not to let excessive lateral heat
production which can cause bone necrosis.
The contact of active electrode to metallic restorations should be less than 0.4 seconds to avoid
any kind of pulp damage.
The fulguration waveform should only be used to control bleeding if all other clinical
procedures have been tried. This is because use of fulguration waveform is associated with
delayed healing response.
Wound healing following electrosurgery:
One study compared postoperative wound healing with electrosurgery unit and scalpel. Results
demonstrated that healing after using electrosurgery unit was delayed as compared to scalpel. The
wound with electrosurgery showed more inflammation and tissue destruction. Otherwise, the
osteoblastic activity was same in both cases which shows same bone response 13. Another study
compared healing after application of electrosurgey and periodontal knives. The results showed no
difference when gingival resection was shallow. However, in deep wounds there was bone loss due to
bone necrosis which was more in case of electrosurgery 14. It must be noted that the wound healing
after electrosurgery depends upon the type of waveform used and type of surgical procedure done.
Advantages and disadvantages of electrosurgery:
Advantages:
The incision made in the tissue is clean with little or no bleeding.
A clear view of the surgical site is provided.
Can be used in difficult to reach areas.
Scar formation is minimal.
Chair time of the surgical procedure as well as operator fatigue is reduced.
Soft tissue planing can be done.
The technique is pressureless and precise.
Disadvantages:
The cost for electrosurgery unit is high.
The bad odour of tissue burning is present if highvolume suction is not used.
Cannot be used on patients with poorly shielded pacemakers.
It cannot be used near inflammable gases.
Conclusion:
The use of electrosurgery in dentistry is increasing as more refined electrosurgical units are being
introduced specifically for dental usage. But, it must be clear that electrosurgery can never completely
replace the scalpel. Clinicians can combine advantages of both of the above and can deliver the best
result to the patient.
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References:
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