Electrosurgery in the Esthetic/Restorative Practice: Everyday Procedures That Help Create Excellence in Dentistry

Used in dentistry for more than a century, electrosurgery has long been an effective soft-tissue cutting method that offers a variety of applications for clinicians. Among its uses are tissue management, frenectomies, gingivectomies, lesion removal, and more. This article reviews advantages and disadvantages of electrosurgery and presents a variety of clinical examples of how it can be utilized to achieve successful outcomes in periodontal and general restorative procedures. Several major indications for electrosurgery are examined and illustrated.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Identify common uses and major indications for electrosurgery in dentistry

• Discuss advantages and disadvantages of using electrosurgery for cutting soft tissue

• Explain the use of electrosurgery with respect to the biologic width

About the Author

Robert A. Lowe, DDS
Private Practice, Charlotte, North Carolina