USES OF A DIODE LASER IN DENTISTRY: AN OVERVIEW

The breakthrough for dental laser systems came in the mid 1990's. Among the various laser types with corresponding wavelengths, diode laser systems quickly began establishing themselves as compact, competitively priced and versatile additions to the dentist's repertoire, predominantly for performing soft tissue applications. Research has shown that near infrared (NIR) wavelengths are ideally suited for numerous soft tissue procedures due to their high absorption in hemoglobin. This fact gives NIR laser the ability to precisely and efficiently cut, coagulate, ablate or vaporize the target tissue. The added advantage of laser performed surgical procedures is the sealing of small blood and lymphatic vessels, resulting in hemostasis and reduced post-operative edema, disinfection of target tissue due to local heating and production of eschar layer and decreased amount of scarring due to decreased post-operative tissue shrinkage. Among the available NIR wavelengths, research has shown the wavelengths around 810 nm to be one of the most versatile with regard to the number of possible treatment options, as this wavelength range can be effectively used in the field of soft tissue surgery, periodontics, endodontics, implantology and tooth whitening. The versatility of the instrument, combined with the latest achievements in diode laser technology, compact design and affordability, should appeal to dental professionals seeking to optimize the procedures they currently perform and expand the number of services they offer.