Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
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In November, RUDN University hosted the country's first scientific and practical conference, "Laser Medicine in Russia: Advanced Technologies." The event brought together specialists from various fields of medicine and biophotonics. More than 300 scientists, researchers, and practicing physicians from Russia and 32 countries working in laser technology, as well as over 650 representatives of the younger generation—students, residents, postgraduate students, and young scientists—participated.
The main objectives of the event were:
To expand understanding of laser clinical medicine; to identify promising research areas for the development of laser medical technologies in Russia; to exchange experiences in the application of laser medical technology developments in various fields of medicine; to bring together specialists using laser technology, laser equipment manufacturers, and the younger generation of clinical medicine specialists.
The conference was opened by Alexey Abramov, Director of the RUDN University Institute of Medicine, and Oleg Yastrebov, Rector of the University, delivered a welcoming video address. Participants reviewed new, cutting-edge developments in laser technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory and oncological diseases, as well as injuries of various origins, including blast injuries. They also discussed the potential for their application in various areas of clinical medicine using the latest generation of high-intensity and low-intensity lasers. Furthermore, scientists and physicians addressed such current issues in laser medicine as medical physics and laser technology, the effects of high-intensity and low-intensity laser radiation on biological tissue, and the application of laser medical technologies in surgery, dentistry, dermatology, and other areas of medicine.
Presentations were given by Valery Tuchin, Head of the Department of Optics and Biophotonics and Director of the Scientific Medical Center at the Saratov National Research University named after N.G. Chernyshevsky; Vladimir Zuev, laureate of the Russian Federation Government Prize and Professor of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology No. 1 at the N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Clinical Medicine at Sechenov University; Sergey Derkachev, Head of the Outpatient Surgery Department and Chief Phlebologist at the N.I. Pirogov Clinic of High Medical Technologies at St. Petersburg State University; and many others.
Laser and wisdom teeth removal
The conference also featured a poster competition for young scientists. Oon Maher Basharovich (Syria), a postgraduate student in the Department of Dental Propaedeutics at the RUDN Medical Institute, won first place among medical schools. His research topic was "Clinical and Radiological Justification for the Use of Laser Radiation in Tooth Extraction." We spoke with the winner to learn about the essence of his paper, the benefits of his findings, and his future plans for developing this work.
Why did you choose this particular topic?
This topic is related to the fact that tooth extraction remains a routine procedure in the practice of dental surgeons. According to the literature, complications most often arise during the removal of wisdom teeth in the lower jaw due to abnormalities in formation, position, and eruption. This issue is always relevant, as such an intervention is associated with high trauma and a long recovery period due to severe pain and postoperative swelling. Today, lasers are used in all areas of medicine, as they are a unique tool in the surgeon's hands, offering undeniable advantages: they allow for fine incisions and provide aseptic, bactericidal, hemostatic, analgesic, and other effects.
What is the focus of your research? How exactly does laser radiation help in tooth extraction, and what are its advantages over traditional methods?
We utilized the properties of a 940 nm diode laser for the removal of impacted wisdom teeth in the lower jaw, using both low-intensity and high-intensity beams. High-intensity beams were used for bactericidal treatment of the postoperative wound immediately after third molar extraction, while low-intensity beams were applied on the third day to relieve postoperative pain using a special attachment. This attachment was used to treat postoperative swelling in the area of the tooth extraction on the skin side of the lower jaw. The advantage of using a laser is less pronounced postoperative swelling. Less swelling also significantly reduces pain, eliminating the need for pain medication. Wound epithelialization and healing were accelerated, as laser beams stimulate regeneration. Furthermore, the risk of complications and relapses is reduced. All this allows patients to recover more quickly and return to work.
What are the future plans for developing this research?
Laser technologies allow us to improve surgical techniques, increase treatment effectiveness, and reduce the risk of local complications such as alveolitis and osteomyelitis. The laser we used was a diode, and all diode lasers only work on soft tissues. In the future, we plan to use an erbium laser, as it is the only laser that works on hard tissues (teeth and bone), and this shows promise. Currently, the department is working on tooth extractions in patients with complex somatic pathologies; I am monitoring these patients, and they have had very good results.
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