Laser in Dentistry During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Brief Review of Literature

Abstract

The novel coronavirus causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) induced a pandemic influencing several countries worldwide; it has also caused serious concerns in dentistry due to its routes of transmission. As compared to the beginning of dental operations, the total microbial load suspended in the air rises more than three times during dental procedures due to the aerosols contained in the saliva, blood, organic tooth particles, bacteria, or viruses. Various types of dental lasers are recognized to be already produced and used in the treatment of hard and soft dental and oral tissues. One of the benefits of the dental laser is its ability to decontaminate surfaces and destroy germs. Dental lasers produce substantially less aerosols and droplets in comparison to high-speed dental headpieces and ultrasonic devices. Therefore, it is beneficial to indicate its influence in reducing the COVID-19 contamination risk, especially in dentistry.