Statement on Lasers in Dentistry

Introduction Applications for and research on lasers in dentistry continues to expand since their introduction to the dental profession. Dental laser systems are cleared for marketing in the United States via the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Premarket Notification [510(k)] process. The primary purpose of this Statement is to provide comments and a science-based perspective on several increasingly popular uses for dental lasers. These topics include: Sulcular Debridement (sometimes termed Laser Curettage), Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP), Reduction of Bacteria Levels in periodontal pockets (sometimes termed Pocket Sterilization), Laser-facilitated Wound Healing, Laser Root Planing, Aid in the Diagnosis of Caries (Laser Fluorescence), and other Hard Tissue Applications including endodontics. The statement also provides a brief overview of the FDA’s 510(k) process and educational options for dental laser systems.