Laser

 

In recent years, lasers are increasingly used in dentistry. But many dentists are still unsure about where and how the lasers can be used, advantages and disadvantages.

The aim of this review is to define the laser devices, their indications and advantages that are used in dentistry. The main lasers used in dentistry are argon lasers, semiconductor diode lasers, Nd:YAG lasers (neodmium: yttrium aluminium garnet lasers), Ho:YAG lasers (holmium: yttrium aluminium garnet lasers), erbium lasers (Er:YAG laser 'erbium: yttrium aluminium garnet laser', Er, Cr:YSGG laser 'erbium, cromium: yttrium scandium galium garnet laser'), CO2 lasers, excimer lasers, He-Ne lasers (helium-neon lasers), ruby and alexandrite lasers, titanium sapphire lasers, KTP lasers (potassium titanium phosphate lasers) and low level laser therapy (LLLT). They are multifunctional devices but they have very high risk potential. Hazards for physician, patient and health care workers can be significantly reduced with adherence to proper procedures.