Lasers-changing the Face of Dentistry

Laser have been well accepted by the various disciplines of the dentistry as a useful adjunct to the care of the patient as standard surgical instrument. Hard tissue application has been more difficult to develop and the search for a satisfactory alternative to the high speed dental drill continues. The application of laser technology to medicine and dentistry has entered the age of sophisticated and rationale treatment. It is important for the dental practitioner to become familiar with these principles, and then choose proper lasers for the intended clinical applications. The scientific basis and tissue effects of dental lasers must be known to accomplish a specific treatment objective.

When the first lasers were introduced, they were projected as miracle treatment. As more wavelengths and different lasers appeared, more claims followed. However, the dental fraternity soon realized that some of the claims were unsubstantiated. Thanks to the tremendous amount of research and education, clinicians now know the limitations and advantages of lasers. Laser technology for soft tissue surgery, hard tissue surgery, caries removal and cavity preparation is in a high state of refinement, having several decades of research behind it. Used in conjunction with or as a replacement for traditional methods, it is expected that specific laser technologies will become an essential component of contemporary dental practice over the next decade. Let's hope that dramatic improvements in laser devices and techniques in the coming decades, will open a new era of sophistication in the dental procedures.