Affiliation:
1. Aberdeen Dental Hospital and Institute of Dentistry
2. Consultant Restorative Dentistry, Aberdeen Dental Hospital and Institute of Dentistry
Abstract
Radiosurgery allows precise tissue cutting with simultaneous haemostasis, providing a clearer surgical field. Variation in waveform, power settings and handpiece tip shape allow for a wide variety of clinical applications, making it one of the most versatile pieces of surgical equipment in the dentist's arsenal. However, it is one of the most underused, and probably misunderstood, areas of surgery in dentistry. This may be due to conflicting literature concerning healing, overshadowing of the value of the technique by interest in dental lasers, misuse of terminology and a general lack of knowledge regarding the science underpinning its action. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article aims to outline the mode of action, adjustable parameters and considerations for the safe use of radiosurgery alongside clinical examples of its applications.