Lasers and their Applications in the Dental Practice

The objective of implementing newer techniques in dentistry is to overcome the shortcomings of traditional ones. Dentistry, being a dynamic field, is always on the lookout for innovative techniques, and embracing newer technology has indeed improved patient care in many ways. Lasersare being used as an adjunct or alternative tool to conventional dental procedures. Many dental disciplines such as oral surgery, oral medicine, periodontics, paediatric dentistry, implantology, and operative dentistry have benefitted from the use of laser technology. Lasers have become an invaluable tool in many procedures, including caries removal, caries decontamination, caries prevention, cavity preparation, soft tissue surgeries, root canal decontamination, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, to name a few. Laser treatment in dentistry can be quicker and more efficient. Other benefits would include markedly less pain, lack of bleeding, minimal need of anaesthesia and reduced postoperative discomfort. Also, patients may be able to resume their daily activities shortly after the treatment is rendered, owing to faster healing. However, the caveat would be that adequate training is a mandatory prerequisite before handling patients with these powerful instruments. This article briefly reviews the basic science of lasers and gives a brief account on the updates of their diverse applications in the general dental practice.