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230]

Review Article

Evolution and advancement of lasers in dentistry ‑ A

literature review
Julie Susan Rajan, Umbreen Noor Muhammad1
Departments of Basic Sciences and 1Lecturer of Anatomy in Basic Sciences, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract Technological revolution has maximized access to information and increased popularity in Light
Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER) use that raised patient expectations for painless
and noninvasive procedures. Currently, lasers have created a potentially profitable arena in patient care and
well‑being, in the field of dentistry and medicine. Introducing lasers into dentistry helped the practitioners
to overcome the constraint of conventional procedures. Recently, the foothold of lasers in modern dentistry
provided ease, efficiency, specificity, and comfort both to clinicians and patients. This article summarizes
evidence‑based published studies on several aspects of laser applications, pros and cons, safety measures,
and current advancements in dentistry to convey significant information to aid dental practitioners. To
acquire related information, database search strategy was implemented using keywords such as “lasers.”
A few decades ago, lasers were handled only by specialists or researchers; however, over the years, laser
advancements have revealed a paradigm shift in dentistry, promising a concrete future in all aspects of
dentistry and postsurgical care.

Keywords: Carbon dioxide laser, diode laser, erbium laser, low‑level laser therapy

Address for correspondence: Dr. Umbreen Noor Muhammad, Department of Lecturer of Anatomy in Basic Sciences, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
E‑mail: [email protected]

INTRODUCTION precise tissue management to achieve hard and soft tissue

procedures.
The word “LASER” denotes “Light Amplification by
Stimulated Emission of Radiation,”[1,2] which generates History of lasers
electromagnetic radiation of uniform wavelength, phase, • Theoretically, laser light production was developed
and polarization that is stimulated by an external field, some 90 years ago and first used on extracted tooth
thereby producing monochromatic, coherent, intense, about 47  years ago. In 1900, first pulsed Nd: YAG
and collimated light. Understanding the concept of laser laser was released[5] as to have better interaction with
wavelength with oral tissue interaction can improve patient dental hard tissues. By 1970s, researchers found
management. In dentistry,[3,4] unlike other fields of medicine medical carbon dioxide (CO2) and discovered that Nd:
and surgery, laser is considered an adjunctive to deliver YAG lasers can be used in clinical oral soft tissues.
Commercially available dental lasers have become more
Submitted: 07‑Feb‑21 Accepted: 20‑Apr‑21 Published: 09-Aug-21 eminent only for the last 3–4 years

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DOI: How to cite this article: Rajan JS, Muhammad UN. Evolution and
10.4103/ijohs.ijohs_2_21 advancement of lasers in dentistry - A literature review. Int J Oral Health
Sci 2021;11:6-14.

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Rajan and Muhammad: Evolution and advancements of lasers in dentistry ‑ A literature review

• 1903 – Finsen[6] – Was awarded Nobel Peace Prize and The purpose of this review is to summarize the evolution,
developed carbon arc lamp to treat lupus vulgaris uses, applications, and pros and cons of lasers; as well
• 1917 – Albert Einstein [7] – Laid foundation for as its evolution and advancements in dental care to aid
predecessor “ The Maser” dental practitioners.
• 1957 – Charles Townes[8,9] – Designed “Maser”
MATERIALS AND METHODS
• 1959 – Gordon Gould[10] – Introduced laser to the
public
This literature review was accomplished by maintaining a
• 1960 – Theodore Maiman[11‑13] – First to demonstrate
criteria using electronic database search strategy. Articles
lasers from a ruby crystal; built the first functioning
were referred and reviewed according to the inclusion and
laser with a mixture of helium and neon at Hughes
exclusion criteria to be specific.
Research Laboratories, Malibu, CA, USA
• 1964  –Patel [10]   –  Developed CO 2 laser at Bell Search strategy
Laboratories To obtain relevant information, database search was
• 1964 – Geusic[5] – Developed Nd: YAG laser undertaken using PubMed data, Medline, J Dent,
• 1965 – Stern and Sognnaes[5] – Reported ruby laser ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and
could vaporize enamel and has thermal effects on Medical Subject Headings related with dental lasers.
dental pulp The key items used in the search were “lasers,” laser
• 1965  –  Leon Goldman[6,14,15] – Used laser on vital photodynamic therapy, diode lasers, erbium, chromium:
tooth and reported biomedical aspects of lasers and yttrium‑scandium‑gallium‑garnet lasers, and dental
its effects on dental caries and other tissues lasers.
• 1966 – Lobene et al.[14]– Used CO2 lasers in dentistry
• 1971 – Weichman and Johnson [16] – First to use Study selection
high‑powered infrared (IR) CO2 laser in endodontics Study type
to seal apical foramen • Referred articles were in English
• 1974 – Yamamoto et al.[14,17‑19] – Used Nd: YAG laser • 1478 articles were obtained during initial search and
for caries prevention, and for complete debridement related articles were evaluated
of bacteria from apical third of root • Relevancies of the obtained articles were assessed by
• 1977 – Lenz et al.[14] – First to use lasers in oral and reading titles and abstracts, out of which 1268 articles
maxillofacial surgery screened and 105 were rejected as it was not related to
• 1985 – Shoji et al.[14] – Use of lasers for pulpotomy the study
• 1985 – Pick et al.[14] – First to use lasers in periodontal • Screened articles were evaluated for eligibility according
surgery to their theoretical level.
• 1986 – Zakirasen et al.[14] – Used lasers for sterilization
of root canals Participant type
• 1990 – FDA[5] – Approved use of laser therapy in • Ninety‑four eligible articles were subjected to
intraoral gingival and mucosal tissue surgery inclusion–exclusion criteria [Table 1], out of which
• 1990 – Myers[6] – Introduced the first laser specifically 17 were irrelevant with indistinct information and not
for dentistry related to the study.
• 1994  –  Morita[14] – Introduced Nd: YAG lasers in • Reference lists of the articles were also evaluated.
endodontics Outcome measures
• 1998 – Mazeki et al.[14] – Did root canal shaping with Seventy‑seven articles from 2000 to 2020 were selected,
Er: YAG laser. and relevant articles before 2000 were also included for
historical references and if any needed.
Thus, over the last decades, advancements over laser
applications led researchers to explore the benefits of Data extraction
laser use in medical and dental fields. Currently, erbium Relevant data retrieved from each study were included in
lasers (Er: YAG, Er, Cr: YSGG), Nd: YAG, diode, and the review.
CO2 are the most commonly used lasers in dentistry.
Clinicians have considered use of erbium lasers as Study
wavelength is said to be safe, effective, and convenient Publication year: Relevant articles from the year 2000 to
in dentistry when compared with conventional methods. 2020 was included in the study.
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Rajan and Muhammad: Evolution and advancements of lasers in dentistry ‑ A literature review

Design: Study was subjected to PRISMA guidelines. tissue site to attain the desired effect. The basic principle
involved in laser action is quantum nature of light and
Data analysis stimulated emission. Lasers produces heat[22] that converts
Obtained data were subjected to preferred reporting items electromagnetic energy into thermal energy. Emitted laser
for systematic literature review [Figure 1]. has three characteristic features: monochromatic, coherent,
and collimated.
Principle of lasers
Dental lasers use the energy generated by atomic Laser has the following components,[14,23] as depicted in
electron shifts,[20,21] producing coherent monochromatic Figure 2.
electromagnetic radiation between the ultraviolet and
the far IR section of the electromagnetic spectrum, Optical cavity
producing both visible and invisible lights with particular It consists of lasing medium and parallel mirror. Light
wavelength and color,[4,8] which act on the particular is emitted by process of optical amplification, which

Table 1: Inclusion-exclusion criteria

Inclusion Exclusion
Articles in English Articles in other languages other than English
Articles from 2000 to 2020 Articles with indistinct information
Relevant articles before 2000 included for historical reference and if any needed Published data not available
Review articles, clinical journals, e‑books related to laser applications in dentistry. Online sources: Case reports
PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Research Gate, Medical articles Expert opinions

Figure 1: Preferred reporting items for literature review used in this study

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Rajan and Muhammad: Evolution and advancements of lasers in dentistry ‑ A literature review

is monochromatic and of single wavelength with three as different laser wavelengths have different absorption
principal parts: an energy source;[22] an active lasing medium coefficients with respect to primary tissue components.
with gaseous (argon and CO2), crystal or solid state (Nd: Understanding the fundamental principle of laser–tissue
YAG, Er: YAG), and semiconductor wafers made of interaction[26] will enable the clinician to choose the
indium, gallium, aluminum, and arsenic; and two or more appropriate laser for the desired treatment. Lasers are used
mirrors that form an optical cavity or resonator. on target tissues according to their wavelength, delivery
system, and their effects,[29] on particular tissues. The
Pump energy source (excitation source) wavelength, delivery, and effects of different lasers on
 For amplification to occur, energy is supplied by pumping target tissues are shown in Table 3.
mechanism using a flash lamp strobe device, an electric
current or an electric coil into an active medium contained Classification of lasers
within an optical resonator. The photons are reflected back Lasers have become beneficial in managing a wide range
and forth through the medium by highly reflective surfaces of dental complications and therapeutic treatments
of the optical resonator causing amplification. that aims in tissue management. They are classified into
various categories,[8,36] but mostly, its requisition is done as
Cooling system, focusing lenses, and other controls hard tissue, soft tissue, and nonsurgical lasers. Soft tissue
The remaining energy is converted into heat to provide lasers helps in soft tissue removal and hemostasis, for
cooling in the form of water, and finally, a collimated, periodontal and gingival tissue management. Due to its
coherent, monochromatic laser beam of light is generated. high affinity for hydroxyapatite and high absorption of
water, Erbium lasers are used for both hard and soft tissue
Dental lasers have fiberoptic cable (visible and IR lasers),[24] ablations during surgeries, apicectomies and in operative
or hollow wave guide  (middle and far IR lasers), or dentistry. Er:YAG[1] lasers are optically and electrically
articulated arm (UV, visible, and IR lasers) to deliver the pumped lasers and are classified according to type of
laser light to the target tissue, in the following manner:[1,25] lasing medium. Low-level laser therapy[2,6,37] have a
Reflection, Transmission, Scattering, Absorption. Temperature biomodulating effect on oral healing. It reduces duration
is elevated when laser is absorbed and thus produces of inflammation and promotes tissue repair, wound healing
photochemical effects depending on the water content in with less scarring, relieves dental pain and TMJ problems.
the tissues. The principle mechanism of action of laser The mixture of noble gases such as argon (argon fluoride),
energy on the yissue is photothermal. krypton (krypton fluoride),[6] and xenon (xenon fluoride)
with reactive gases produce a special type of gas discharge
Ablation occurs when temperature is reached to 100° C called excimer lasers, effective in disinfecting root canals.
causing vaporization of water within the tissues. Tissue Thus, lasers were classified according to several studies
is dehydrated and burned at temperature above 200°C, done by researchers and their implications in dentistry, as
resulting in carbonization. shown in Table 4.

The mechanism of laser–tissue interaction[23,24,26,27] is Clinical applications of lasers

depicted in Table 2. Lasers are expected to make a benchmark in dentistry with
its major advancements in clinical applications. Hard and
Laser wavelength and tissue interaction soft tissues[21] can be treated using lasers without direct
Characteristic of lasers depends on its wavelength,[22] contact, vibrations, and pain; thus, it can be utilized in
which affects both the clinical applications and the design many divisions of dentistry. Researchers have effectively
of lasers. Laser selection is procedure dependent[25,28] used lasers in their clinical practices. It is imperative that
any clinician hoping to pursue laser use in practice[8,43]
must have a solid understanding about these devices, its
specific biological effects on target tissues, advantages and
disadvantages, and procedures associated with them, as
shown in Table 5.

Laser safety measures

Nature of effect of lasers on tissue comprises wavelength,
Figure 2: Diagrammatic representation of the mechanism of action in exposure time, spot size,[15,72-74] and tissue variables of
a laser using resonator, excitation source, and amplification physical and chemical composition. To ensure safe and
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Rajan and Muhammad: Evolution and advancements of lasers in dentistry ‑ A literature review

Table 2: Mechanism of laser-tissue interaction

Mechanism Action
Photochemical interaction PDT
Photothermal ablation/interaction Using high powered lasers to coagulate or vaporize tissues through absorption in a major tissue component
Photomechanical ablation/interaction Tissue disruption due to range of phenomena such as shock wave formation and cavitations
Photoelectrical interaction Photoplasmolysis
Photochemical effects Using light‑sensitive substances to treat conditions such as cancer
PDT: Photodynamic therapy

Table 3: Wavelength and delivery of dental lasers on target tissues and its effects
Lasers Wavelength (nm) Construction and delivery system Target tissue and effects
CO2[24,25,29,30] 10,640 Hollow waveguide, articulated arm Gingiva, mucosa, enamel, dentin, bone
Gas laser Reduce permeability, bactericidal
Diode[14,25,29,31] 850-1064 Optical fiber Gingiva, mucosa
Semiconductor Penetrate parts of root dentin
Nd: YAG[14,25,29,30] 1064 Optical fiber Gingiva, mucosa
Solid state In endodontics, used in narrow bent canals
Er: YAG[18,24,25,29,30] 2940 Optical fiber, waveguide, articulated arm Gingiva, mucosa, enamel, dentin, bone
Solid state Irradiation of narrow/curved root canals
Er, Cr: YSGG[18, 24,25,29,30] 2860 Optical fiber Gingiva, mucosa, enamel, dentin, bone
Solid state Disinfection of root canals
Excimer[6,32‑34] 308 Optical fiber Enamel, dentin, bone
Gas laser Removes infected hard tissues with limited thermal
effects, RCT, bactericidal effects
Argon[14,25,29] 488-515 Optical fiber in continuous wave and Gingiva, mucosa
gated pulsed mode Hemangioma
Gas laser
Ho: YAG[22,25] 2100 Pulsed White tissues
Arthroscopic TMJ surgery, intraoral general implant of
soft tissue surgery, analgesia
KTP[6,25,29,35] 532 Optical fiber Hard tissues application
Solid state Can achieve positive result in cases completely
unresponsive to conventional photothermal power,
bleaching, TMJ surgery, 2nd stage recovery of implants
Helium‑neon[29] 633 Optical fiber Soft tissue application
Gas laser Provides pain relief, accelerated healing and prevents
recurrence on aphthous ulcers and recurrent herpetic
lesions
RCT: Randomized controlled trial, Nd: YAG: Neodymium‑doped yttrium aluminum garnet, Er:YAG: Erbium:yttrium‑aluminum‑garnet, Er, Cr:YSGG:
Erbium, chromium‑doped yttrium scandium gallium garnet, Ho: YAG: Holmium: yttrium aluminum garnet, TMJ: Temporomandibular joint, KTP:
Potassium titanyl phosphate

effective operation of dental lasers, precautionary measures • Trained and experienced personnel
must be considered. Lasers are not advised in patients • Hazard signs using color, dimension, and location of
with pacemakers, pregnant women, epileptic patients, and symbol (sunburst pattern)
arrhythmic patients and avoided in glands,[8] tumors, or on • Eye and skin examinations
lupus lesions. According to the ANSI Z136 series of laser • Test firing.
safety standards,[39,75] control measures are categorized as:
1. Engineering control measures 3. Personal protective equipment
• Eye protection using safety goggles
• Laser barriers and protective curtains
• Laser filtration masks to prevent airbor ne
• Protective housing
contamination
• Master switch control
• Evacuation of laser plume using high‑volume suction
• Optical viewing system safety • Protective clothing, surgical gloves, and footwear to
• Beam stop or attenuator be worn by operator.
• Interlock requirements
• Laser activation warning system. Medico legal considerations
Most professional liability insurance policies are designed
2. Administration control for dental specialists,[25,29] and a conservative soft tissue
• Appointing laser safety officer surgery with dental laser is considered a covered procedure.
• Safe working procedures Prior informed consent must be considered routine, and
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Rajan and Muhammad: Evolution and advancements of lasers in dentistry ‑ A literature review

Table 4: Classification and types of lasers

Classification Types
According to ANSI and OSHA[9,14,24,32,38,39]
Class I Low‑powered lasers, safe to naked eye. E.g., Laser pointer device
Class II (a) Low‑powered lasers, hazardous when viewed >1000 s by naked eye. E.g., He‑Ne lasers
Class II (b) Low‑powered visible lasers, hazardous if viewed for >0.25 s
Class III (a) Medium‑powered lasers, hazardous if viewed for >0.25 s without magnifying optics
Class III (b) Medium powered lasers (0.5 W max), hazardous if viewed directly
Class IV High‑powered lasers (>0.5 W), produces ocular, skin, and fire hazards
Based on wavelength or spectrum[1,22,23, 32,40]
Ultraviolet lasers (100-400 nm) E.g., Excimer, alexandrite
Visible lasers (400-750 nm) E.g., Argon, He‑Ne
Infrared lasers (750-10,000 nm) E.g., Diode, Nd: YAG, Ho: YAG, Er, Cr: YSGG, Er: YAG, CO2
Based on penetration power/tissue applicability[1,8,14,23,41]
Hard lasers/thermic lasers/surgical lasers CO2 (10.6 µ), Er:YAG, Er, Cr:YSGG, argon, Nd:YAG
Soft lasers/athermic lasers CO2, He‑Ne, diode, GaAs (830 nm)
Based on pulsing[14,27]
Pulsed lasers Excimer, Nd:YAG
Nonpulsed lasers Diode
Based on type of active medium used[1,23,32,38,40,42]
Gas lasers CO2, He‑Ne, argon lasers
Solid state crystal lasers Ruby lasers, Nd:YAG, Er:YAG, diode
Semiconductor lasers Diode lasers, GaAs lasers
Excimers Argon fluoride, krypton fluoride, xenon fluoride
Liquid Dyes
According to emission modes[4,14,15,24,36]
CW He‑Ne lasers, diode
Free‑running pulsed CO2, argon, Nd:YAG, Er, Cr:YSGG
Nd:YAG: Neodymium‑doped yttrium aluminum garnet, Er:YAG: Erbium: yttrium‑aluminum‑garnet, Er, Cr:YSGG: Erbium, chromium‑doped yttrium
scandium gallium garnet, Ho:YAG: Holmium: yttrium aluminum garnet, CW: Continuous wave, GaAs: Gallium arsenide, ANSI: American National
Standards Institute, OSHA: Occupational Health and Safety Administration

the patients must read and acknowledge with signature d. Photon‑induced photoacoustic streaming: A recent
before any laser dental treatment. Each clinician must take advance in root canal therapy [77] developed by
a course from a reputable provider. DiVito EE that creates powerful shockwaves at
subablative levels to clean with disinfecting irrigants,
Recent advancements in lasers three‑dimensionally throughout the entire root canal
Currently, erbium lasers are considered suitable for dental system
treatment,[22] due to its dual ability to ablate hard and soft e. Piezosurgery: It is an ultrasound device using ultrasonic
tissues with minimal damage. vibration for procedures[65] such asosteotomy and
a. Periowave™: A photodynamic disinfection system that osteoplasty. It can also be used for retrograde
uses a photosensitizer combined with low‑intensity preparation of root canal, ridge augmentation, ridge
laser to destroy bacteria and toxins after scaling and expansion, tooth extraction, and orthodontic surgeries
root planning f. Osseodensification: A new method of biomechanical
b. Periodontal Waterlase MD: It uses Er, Cr; YSGG bone preparation for dental implant placement,[65] by
for minimally invasive surgical periodontal laser protecting bone mass and shortening recovery time
therapy,[76] giving efficient periodontal attachment frame.
level restoration. Target application: Restorative,
multidisciplinary dental procedures, cosmetic DISCUSSION
procedures, oral surgery, root canal disinfection,
implants and periodontal treatments The intension of using lasers in dental surgery is to minimize
c. Waterlase C 100: It is indicated in full,[22] partial, and postoperative effects on soft tissues. With the entry of lasers,
split thickness flap, soft tissue curettage, removal of ease and comfort were brought into different fields of medicine
diseased, infected, inflamed, necrosed soft tissue within and dentistry; such as target‑oriented, rapid wound healing,
periodontal pocket, osteoplasty, osseous recontouring, and increased collagen production at the surgical site, painless
ostectomy, and osseous crown lengthening. Target procedures, time‑saving, and minimal damage to soft tissues.
application: Restorative procedures, extraction, early According to the review of many researchers such as Sharma
periodontal treatment et al.,[45] Matsumoto et al.,[46] George,[24] it was observed that
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Table: 5: Applications, advantages, and disadvantages of lasers in dentistry

Branches of dentistry Laser Application Advantages Disadvantages
Operative dentistry[1,14,33,44‑49] Erbium Cavity preparation, preparation Has specific ablation mechanism Thermal side effects,
CO2 of microretentive walls, removal Removal of enamel and dentin with delayed wound healing
Er:YAG, Cr:YSG of incipient caries, sealing pit no thermal side effects
and fissures Absence of drilling sound, pressure,
pain, temperature and anesthesia
Endodontics[1,47,50‑56] Nd:YAG Both low‑ and high‑intensity Low‑intensity lasers induces Diode can cause rapid
Er:YAG laser treatment analgesic, anti‑inflammatory, less temperature rise in
Excimer RCT preparation, postoperative discomfort the target tissue, so
CO2 postpulpotomy, periapical High‑intensity lasers remove clinician should use air
Diode surgery, intracanal application, bacteria from root dentinal and water to cool the
direct and indirect pulp capping surface, pulpotomies, pulpectomy surgical site
Disinfection in contaminated
root canal
Periodontics[1,5,24,33,45,47,55,57,58] Er:YAG Gingivectomy, gingivoplasty, Least postoperative pain, absence Delayed wound healing
Nd:YAG scaling and root planing, root of scarring, reduction in plaque for few days
CO2 conditioning index, bleeding index, pocket Er: YAG does not remove
Argon Disinfection of periodontal depth, and better reattachment calculus on root surface
pockets Er: YAG suitable for Argon causes granuloma
immunocompromised patients formation, bleeding or
nonresolution of the
lesion
Orthodontics[30,59,60] CO2 For enamel surface CO2 and YAG lasers prevents CO2, delayed wound
Nd: YAG conditioning, thermal detaching enamel fractures while brackets healing, hard tissue
Er: YAG of brackets are detached from teeth damage, treated tissue
Er: YAG for enamel surface shows black/brown
conditioning appearance
Nd; YAG, risk of
unwanted collateral
damage to underlying
bone or dental pulp
Cosmetic dentistry[5,24] Argon For office bleaching Office bleaching Not all lasers are used
Diode Posttraumatic facial scarring for bleaching, as it will
damage enamel and
pulp
LLLT/soft‑tissue lasers/ He‑Ne Healing of wounds, mucositis, Fast wound closure in diabetic It takes a series of
cold lasers[2,6,25,29,61‑63] Diode and oropharyngeal ulcerations patients, reduced synthesis of sessions to produce
in head and neck cancer inflammatory mediators results
patients, postextraction sites,
dentinal hypersensitivity, TMJ
disorders
Reduce pain and swelling,
analgesic effect on nerves
Implantology[1,5,47,51,64,65] Er: YAG, Er: YSGG Placement, 2nd stage recovery Controlled incision of overlying Limited application on
CO2 and gingival management gingival tissue and to initiate a soft tissues due to poor
Diode (980 nm) Treatment of peri‑implantitis, breach of the cortical bone plate hemostasis
mucositis prior to use of conventional Contraindication of Nd:
implant drill YAG lasers as it melts
Vaporization of soft tissues, implant surfaces
hemostatic and bactericidal
properties
Embed therapy for titanium implants
Oral surgery[5,45,66,67] CO2 Sleep apnea patient Excellent Hemostasis with precise Cost expensive>1 laser
Erbium lasers, Er: management, TMJ insicions, less postoperative pain required for various
YSGG derangements, dental implants and swelling, suturing not required procedures
Posttraumatic facial scarring, Less traumatic bone cutting,
gingival hyperplasia less postoperative discomfort,
Benign and malignant lesions bone surgery, osseous crown
Frenectomy, vestibuloplasty lengthening
Pediatric dentistry[5,30,68] CO2 Precise and selective Excellent hemostasis Cost‑expensive
Nd: YAG interaction of laser use in No sutures required To be used with
Er: YAG children Patient and parent cooperation precaution in
Diode Less need for behavioral immunocompromised
management patients
Frenectomy, ankyloglossia,
gingival recountouring, crown
lengthening, pulpotomy
Contd...
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Rajan and Muhammad: Evolution and advancements of lasers in dentistry ‑ A literature review

Table: 5: Contd...
Branches of dentistry Laser Application Advantages Disadvantages
Prosthodontic dentistry[69‑71] Er: YAG Gingival troughing Excellent hemostasis Requires trained dentist
CO2 Soft‑tissue management around Does not require local anesthesia while using these lasers
Argon abutments/laminates for removal of small tumor for treatment
Nd: YAG Crown lengthening, venner Safe and excellent to control depth
Diode removal, denture fabrication, penetration
laser phototherapy, formation of Alter pigmentation in gingival
ovate pontic site tissues
Dentinal hypersensitivity Tissue surface sterilization,
treatment reduction in bacteremia
Selective sintering with CAD/ Faster healing response
CAM technology Less chair side time, increased
patient acceptance
LLLT: Low‑level laser therapy, YAG: Yttrium aluminum garnet, Nd:YAG: Neodymium‑doped YAG, Er:YAG: Erbium: YAG, Er:YSGG: Erbium‑doped
yttrium scandium gallium garnet, Cr:YSG: Chromium: yttrium scandium garnet, TMJ: Temporomandibular joint, CAM: Computer‑aided
manufacturing, CAD: Computer‑aided design

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