Laser dentistry is an innovative technique that employs laser energy in a variety of dental procedures. This approach offers multiple benefits due to its high precision and ability to minimize bleeding, making it an effective option for many dental treatments.

Dental laser procedures are usually less painful due to the accuracy of the laser, although the skill of the dentist also plays a crucial role. This approach is especially appealing to patients who experience anxiety or phobia of the dentist, as it improves safety and comfort during treatment.

The use of lasers in dentistry has many advantages:

• The precision of the laser reduces damage to surrounding tissues.
• Wounds heal faster.
• Bleeding is minimized.
• The high-energy laser light sterilizes the treated area, reducing the risk of infection.
• Anesthesia may not be necessary.
• In many cases, no stitches are required.

The dental laser has multiple applications in dental surgery. It can be used in the treatment of benign tumors, mouth ulcers, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. It is also used in procedures such as laser-assisted uvula palatoplasty (LAUP) to reshape the throat and treat sleep apnea, in nerve regeneration and in tooth whitening. In addition, optical coherence tomography, which uses lasers, makes it possible to visualize tooth and gum tissues in real time.

There are two main types of dental lasers, each designed to treat different tissues:

• Hard tissue laser: This type of laser is effectively absorbed by hydroxyapatite, a substance present in bones and teeth, allowing these tissues to be cut with precision. It is used in procedures such as caries treatment, tooth preparation for fillings, and sealing of dentinal tubules to treat sensitivity.

• Soft tissue laser: This laser is absorbed primarily by water and hemoglobin, making it ideal for working on the gums. It seals nerves and blood vessels while cutting, reducing pain and bleeding; in fact, some patients experience no postoperative pain. It also facilitates healing. It is commonly used to reshape gums, remove soft tissue folds caused by ill-fitting dentures, and perform frenectomies on patients with tongue restrictions, such as children or infants.