Lasers in dentistry: separating science from hype.
BACKGROUND
During the last two decades, much has been written in both the scientific literature and the popular press about lasers and their use in the dental office. Both soft- and hard-tissue applications have been discussed, including frenectomy, gingival contouring, caries removal and bleaching.


BACKGROUND
Almost one-third of patients surveyed by the American Dental Association in the late 1990s thought it was very important that their dentists have lasers, which could put pressure on dentists to invest in this tool to attract patients. The authors describe the different types of dental lasers and examine the science behind their applications in dentistry.


CONCLUSIONS
Although lasers do have legitimate uses in dentistry, they do not take the place of any of the more conventional tools in the dentist's armamentarium. Before investing in a laser, dentists should fully understand the differences between the various types, including what the scientific literature says about their applications.
Dederich
Douglas N
DN
Department of Periodontics, Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, New Orleans 70119-2799, USA. ddeder@lsuhsc.edu
Bushick
Ronald D
RD
D003731:Dental Caries / Q000175:diagnosis; D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation; D003748:Dental Equipment; D018795:Device Approval; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005881:Gingiva / Q000601:surgery; D033161:Government Regulation; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007834:Lasers / Q000145:classification / Q000592:standards; D011639:Public Opinion