Lasers
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - Lasers
What types of dental lasers are available and what procedures do they support?
The main types are diode lasers for soft tissue procedures, Er:YAG for hard and soft tissue, CO2 for soft tissue and oral lesion treatment, and Nd:YAG for deeper tissue penetration. Each wavelength is absorbed differently by tissue — matching wavelength to procedure is the key selection criterion.
What is the difference between a diode laser and a CO2 laser in dentistry?
Diode lasers operate at 810–980 nm and are highly absorbed by pigmented soft tissue, making them ideal for gingivectomy, frenectomy, and sulcular debridement. CO2 lasers at 9,600–10,600 nm offer broader soft tissue applications including oral lesion removal and photobiomodulation at lower power settings.
Do dental lasers require anesthesia?
Many soft tissue procedures with diode and CO2 lasers can be performed with minimal or no anesthesia due to reduced thermal trauma and hemostatic effects. However, anesthesia requirements vary by procedure type, laser wavelength, power setting, and individual patient sensitivity.
What are the ROI considerations when adding a dental laser to a practice?
Dental lasers expand the range of soft tissue procedures a general practice can perform in-house, reducing referrals to periodontists and oral surgeons. They can also reduce procedure time, minimize suturing, and support faster healing — contributing to patient satisfaction and practice differentiation.
How do DPS clinician evaluators rate dental lasers?
Independent panels of practicing dentists use products in their own offices for approximately 4 weeks, rating on clinical criteria including tissue response, ease of use, procedure versatility, and patient outcomes. Products scoring 4.3 or above earn the DPS Best Product designation.