Airway Palooza – Breathe & Thrive^® Symposium 2027

Breathe & Thrive^® Laser Day

Airway-Focused CO₂ Laser Techniques for Frenectomy and Soft Palate Procedures

Introduction:

Explore the clinical principles and practical techniques behind airway-focused CO₂ laser procedures during this five-hour LightScalpel workshop.

The program will include approximately one hour of lecture followed by three hours of hands-on instruction, with an emphasis on (1) frenectomy procedures involving tongue-, lip-, and buccal-ties; (2) non-ablative soft palate procedures intended to promote collagen remodeling and tissue tightening, which may help reduce soft palate vibration associated with snoring; and (3) laser-tissue interaction; laser safety; and practical clinical implementation.

The Laser Surgery and Safety Basic Knowledge Certification Curriculum for this workshop was developed by the American Laser Study Club. It addresses the fundamental physics of soft-tissue ablation and coagulation using surgical lasers, as well as the differences between laser devices and hot-tip, non-laser devices. Attendees will learn how laser wavelength, power, technique, and tissue interaction affect cutting efficiency, coagulation, hemostasis, and thermal effects within surgical margins.

Lecture Session:  1:00 – 2:00 PM

The lecture will examine the differences between ablative and non-ablative CO₂ laser applications and how laser settings, technique, and tissue interaction influence clinical outcomes.

Upon completion of the lecture, participants will be able to:

• Explain the clinical differences between ablative and non-ablative CO₂ laser applications
• Identify appropriate laser principles and settings for frenectomy and non-ablative soft palate procedures
• Describe how CO₂ laser energy interacts with soft tissue
• Explain the relationship between laser settings, technique, incision depth, and coagulation depth
• Describe the roles of ablation, coagulation, and hemostasis in soft-tissue laser surgery
• Discuss the histology and clinical principles associated with non-ablative tissue remodeling
• Recognize key laser safety considerations for airway-focused soft-tissue procedures
• Apply practical laser concepts to clinical treatment planning and procedural technique

Participants will also gain a clearer understanding of how a surgical laser can efficiently vaporize soft tissue while supporting coagulation and hemostasis. The session will address why wavelength, power, delivery technique, and tissue interaction are important when selecting and using a laser for soft-tissue procedures.

Surgical Simulation Labs:  2:00 – 5:00 PM

The simulation labs are designed to connect laser science with practical technique and help attendees better understand how surgical lasers may be used safely and efficiently. These guided participation sessions allow attendees to practice fundamental ablative and non-ablative laser techniques using tissue samples and a pig jaw.

Laser Surgical Techniques Simulation Lab – Incision, Ablation, Coagulation and Hemostasis: (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
Practice core soft tissue laser skills, including superficial ablation, shallow and deep incisions, coagulation, hemostasis, laser safety, and equipment handling.

Laser Frenectomy Surgical Simulation Lab: (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Practice laser frenectomy techniques through guided surgical simulations.

Laser Dentistry Surgical Simulation Lab: (4:00 PM – 4:30 PM)
Practice techniques used for common laser dentistry procedures on tissue samples and a pig jaw.

Laser Soft Palate Non-Ablative Treatment Simulation Lab: (4:30 PM – 5:00 PM)
Practice non-ablative laser techniques designed to promote soft palate collagen remodeling and tissue tightening.

Panel Discussion: 5:00 – 6:00 PM

Faculty take questions and connect the labs back to daily practice over wine and cheese.