Periowave is a Class II medical device. When used under normal operating conditions (i.e. with the light guide in place) the laser classification is 2M. Under handpiece light path testing the laser emits at a Class 3B level

The Periowave diode laser is different than most diode lasers used in dentistry today. Most dental lasers are meant to be cutting surgical lasers. These lasers are almost all Class IV lasers due to their high power. The Periowave laser is a non-thermal laser which does not heat tissue since its mechanism of action is by the specific wavelength of light causing a specific reaction process.

What is a treatment site?

Treatment sites are all probing sites demonstrating bleeding on probing, pocket depths 4mm and greater,and loss of clinical attachment levels. Optimal results have been noted in periodontal pocket defects which probe 4-9 mm and in peri-implantitis lesions with bleeding, erythema and suppuration

What type of laser is used in Periowave treatment? Does it generate heat and will my patients feel anything during treatment?

Periowave is a Class II medical device which incorporates a Class 3B laser.

What are the indications of Periowave?

Periowave is used to treat:

Gingivitis- characterized by inflamed, reddened gums, and bleeding with brushing and flossing. There may or may not be associated periodontal disease present.

Mild Periodontitis- characterized by bleeding on probing, pocket depths of 3-4 mm, localized areas of recession, no tooth mobility and no bone loss.

Moderate Periodontitis- characterized by bleeding on probing, pocket depths of 4-6 mm, may have tooth mobility, bone loss may be present.

Advanced Periodontitis- characterized by bleeding on probing, pocket depths of greater than 6 mm, has tooth mobility, and has bone loss.

Peri-implantitis- characterized by implants with surrounding tissue showing evidence of inflammation. There may also be increased probing depths around the implant along with associated bone loss as evidenced by visible implant threads.

What clinical results can I expect to see after using Periowave?

Periowave™ clinical outcomes include a reduction in pocket depth, an increase in clinical attachment level, a decrease in bleeding on probing and an improvement in gingival tissue tone and texture. Periowave treated patients have also been noted to have an overall improved whole mouth effect even at untreated sites. For more information please see Clinical Study Result (link to Clinical Studies) and Case Studies (link to Case Studies)

What’s in the photosensitizer solution?

The Periowave photosensitizer is a proprietary solution. The main ingredients include a phenothiazine dye (methylene blue), pH stabilizers, taste enhancers and mucoadhesive polymers. The Periowave laser and photosensitizing solution are carefully designed to work together, and other diode lasers or photosensitizers will not produce the same photosensitizing effect or clinical results.

How long is the Photodisinfection technology of PDD being used in Canada?

Periowave was launched in Canada in March 2006.

Is Periowave available in the US or Europe?

Ondine Biopharma Corp is currently seeking FDA approval to distribute in the United States. Periowave has been approved for sale in Europe since June 2006.

Can Periowave be used on patients that smoke?

Periowave is certainly a good treatment for smokers as they frequently have a particular need for additional therapy to prevent further deterioration of their periodontal disease. There is no contra-indication of Periowave to treat “smokers”. However, clinical response may be enhanced in this group by several Periowave treatment sessions.

Where can I purchase Periowave?

Periowave is being distributed by the leading dental suppliers in Canada including Henry Schein Ash Arcona, Patterson Dental and Sinclair Dental. For more details, you can contact our Customer Service representative at 1-866-669-0555 ext. 240 or see “Distributors” (Link to distributors).

Will Periowave stain?

Since the photosensitizer is a bacterial stain (dye) it can stain clothing and care should be taken to avoid getting on clothes.

There may be a very transient blue stain to mucosal surfaces. This resolves within a few minutes.

Should the patient be retreated?

Clinical studies show that by repeating a Periowave treatment within a few weeks the patient can up to an 80% improvement over a single treatment as measured by probing depths and attachment level.

How much photosensitizer should be used at each treatment site?

Unless the bacteria are stained with the dye the treatment effects will not be optimal therefore generous flooding of the pocket is advisable to ensure complete contact with all bacterial surfaces. On an average basis this requires approximately 0.2 ml per site.

Should Periowave only be used on moderate to severe periodontitis patients?

Using Periowave earlier in the disease process will provide the optimal result for the patient. Waiting until probing depths are excessive or there is overt evidence of bone loss will make the ultimate recovery longer and require additional therapies.

Are there other risk factors to consider in patient selection?

Besides the typical indicators mentioned above, certain patients may be at increased risk for rapid progression of their disease so factors such as diabetes, chronic illnesses, immunocompromised patients, long-term steroid use, auto-immune conditions should all be considered and clinical judgment used.

What are Periowave’s contraindications?

In many thousands of cases performed there have been no known drug interactions with Periowave. There is a theoretical risk for patients with severe G6PD but since Periowave is not ingested this would be extremely unlikely to cause a reaction. Periowave is not contraindicated in pregnancy.

Can Periowave used to treat other conditions?

Periowave has been used to treat other conditions however since Health Canada has not evaluated Periowave for these we cannot promote it’s use. If you have a specific question please contact our medical affairs department and we will be pleased to provide additional materials to you.