Lasers in dentistry: Practical applications and Implementation

Lasers are used for various soft tissue procedures like gum contouring, frenectomy, and removal of oral lesions with minimal bleeding and postoperative discomfort. They can effectively remove dark patches or pigmentation from the gums to enhance esthetics. Laser-assisted periodontal therapy can...

• Lasers in dentistry have evolved significantly since their initial exploration in the 1960s, encompassing a range of wavelengths and applications. They operate on the principle of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (LASER), relying on the stimulated and spontaneous emission of photons. Key to laser function is the interaction with tissue chromophores, which absorb light at specific wavelengths, leading to different tissue effects like absorption, transmission, scattering, and reflection.