Hard tissue lasers: An insight

Abstract

Origin of light amplification for stimulated emission of radiation (LASER) had its roots way back in 1960 when Maiman invented the first hand held ruby laser. LASER is the common acronym used for LASER. Current scientific review has touched various aspects like the historical landmarks, luminaries behind several landmarks in the invention of lasers in a chronological order, hard tissue lasers along with dental operating microscope and magnification have made practice of restorative and microsurgery facile and due to its versatility have found numerous applications extending to almost all spheres of restorative dentistry and minor oral surgery. Owing to its profound advantages such as reduced anxiety to drill phobic patients, excellent predictability, and uneventful postoperative healing have urged modern dental surgeons to embrace laser technology aggressively. This review addresses hard tissue laser physics, protocols and parameters and clinical applications and tips.Clinical Relevance To Interdisciplinary Dentistry Erbium lasers have increased affinity for basic chromphores like water and hydroxyapatite crystals. This affinity makes these lasers suitable for various restorative clinical procedures involving both hard and soft tissues. They are a valuable adjunct in:Tooth preparation for restorative procedure, etching of enamel, relative analgesia, disinfection of root canal lumen and they can also effectively disinfect enamel up to 300-400 μm Periodontal surgical procedures such as gingivectomy, gingivoplasty, frenotomy, osseous recountouring and removal of subgingival calculusCrown lengthening, tooth preparation, implant osteotomy, recovery of implants, effective disinfection of perimplantitis, creating positive bony architecture etc.