Laser in Dentistry- A Review

Abstract

Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation, or LASER, is what the phrase refers to. In 1960, Miaman was the first to apply laser technology on both hard and soft tissues in dentistry. Over the past two decades, laser technology has advanced significantly. Soft tissue applications include wound healing, removal of hyperplastic tissue for uncovering of impacted or partially erupted teeth, photodynamic therapy for malignancies, and photostimulation of herpetic lesion. Various hard tissue applications include caries prevention, bleaching, restorative removal and curing, cavity preparation, dentinal hypersensitivity, growth modulation, and for diagnostic purposes. Although lasers have been shown to be slightly more expensive than conventional therapy, they are a useful tool for improving the effectiveness, specificity, ease, and comfort of dental treatment.