Restorative dentistry for children using a hard tissue laser.

This article will describe how a hard tissue laser is used in various restorative procedures. The erbium family of lasers (Er,Cr:YSGG and Er:YAG) are highly absorbed in water and, to a lesser extent, in tooth mineral. Because a carious lesion contains significantly more water than healthy enamel or dentin, the laser can offer some selectivity in removing the diseased material. Furthermore, these lasers can offer some degree of anesthesia. In these clinical photos, an Er,Cr:YSGG laser (Waterlase or Waterlase MD, 2780-nm; Biolase Technologies, Irvine, CA) was used.