Lasers an Inevitable Tool in Modern Dentistry: An Overview

Lasers range from those activated by natural gases, elements, molecules or man-made crystals to those that measure distance to the moon, create laser-guided warfare and record the price of our own groceries. Over the past several years one has seen a strong emergence of lasers in the field of dentistry. Lasers are not, however, new to the field as some of the in vitro studies report back to 1960s but it was not until the early 1980s till the lasers saw there first use in the clinical practice. When used efficaciously and ethically lasers are an exceptional modality of treatment for certain clinical conditions that dentist or dental surgeons treat on daily basis. Regardless of the wavelength used lasers in dentistry offer a wide variety of advantage: 1. Lasers seal the blood vessels and they offer a dry operating field and excellent visibility. 2. In addition seal the lymphatic vessels which yield minimum postoperative swelling. 3. With the use of lasers pain is reduced to absent in 90%. 4. A laser offers the ability to negotiate curves and folds in the oral cavity. 5. They cause less chance for mechanical trauma, minimal scaring and sutures are rarely needed. 6. They cause reduction in the bacterial count and in some areas may sterilize the field as well. Blum JF et al (1997)1 found that the antibacterial effect of the lasers are frequency dependent as he found that only a frequency of 30 Hz inhibited the growth of Streptococcus mitis using a Nd: YAP laser. Kranendonk A et al (2010)2 did an in vitro study, in which Nd: YAG laser used was found to be effective for total killing of the six tested periodontal pathogens. 7. Increased patient acceptance due to minimum postoperative discomfort. History and Development of Lasers