What significant change occurs to tissues when exposed to temperatures above 200 degrees C during laser treatment?

When tissues are exposed to temperatures above 200 degrees Celsius during laser treatment, carbonization occurs as a result of the extreme heat. This high temperature leads to the breakdown of organic material in the tissues, causing them to turn into carbon. Carbonization is a critical process that can influence the effectiveness of laser treatments in periodontal therapy, as it can minimize bleeding and help in the removal of necrotic tissue.

The occurrence of carbonization at these elevated temperatures also means that surrounding tissues might be affected due to the release of heat, leading to a controlled area of damage. Understanding this helps practitioners manage and anticipate outcomes during laser procedures, ensuring that the treatment targets only the desired areas while preserving healthy surrounding tissues.

In contrast, other processes like coagulation and vaporization refer to different thermal effects at varying temperatures, and denaturation primarily relates to protein structures rather than the overall tissue transformation seen with carbonization. Therefore, grasping the concept of carbonization is essential for comprehending how laser treatments work in periodontology and their impact on tissue management.