![\"What](\"https:\/\/azdentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-19.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLaser dentistry uses focused beams of light to perform dental procedures on both hard and soft oral tissues. A laser is defined as “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A concentrated beam of light generated by the dental laser can interact with oral tissues. When focused on a target area, laser energy can be used to remove, reshape, or treat oral tissue with precision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unlike conventional dental tools, such as scalers and drills, lasers can target very small areas without damaging surrounding oral tissues. As a result, the precision of a dental laser makes it ideal for many different types of fragile restorative procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although laser technology was introduced into dentistry in the early 1990s, its use has expanded rapidly across many oral hygiene procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Science Behind Dental Laser Technology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The fundamental principle behind dental laser technology<\/a><\/strong> is that it uses precise high-intensity light directed at a small area of the mouth. Depending on the dental procedure being performed, light energy affects the tissues differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because the laser beam is so precise, the dentist can treat a small area without affecting adjacent tissue. This is one of the many reasons why many dentists love laser dental care. It allows for extremely precise treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not all dental lasers function in the same way; there is a variety of dental lasers designed to interact with various types of oral tissues. Generally speaking, dental lasers fall into two categories: soft tissue lasers and hard tissue lasers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Soft-tissue lasers are designed specifically for use on the gums and other soft oral tissues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Commonly performed procedures with soft-tissue lasers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When used, soft tissue lasers cut through tissue while simultaneously sealing blood vessels, reducing blood loss during surgery or other procedures, and typically eliminating the need for sutures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hard-tissue lasers are designed for use on teeth and bone. Commonly performed procedures with hard tissue lasers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hard tissue lasers use a specific wavelength of light that interacts with dental enamel and dentin; therefore, they can effectively treat cavities and prepare teeth to receive a filling or surgical reconstruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everyone typically gets a “professional” cleaning at least twice a year. Traditional cleanings involve scraping plaque and tartar from teeth with a metal instrument to keep teeth healthy. While effective, most people don’t enjoy having their teeth professionally cleaned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Laser teeth cleaning has become part of the cleaning techniques used by some dental offices worldwide. While in the past dentists would have relied solely upon the scraping method to achieve clean teeth, they can now also (in part) rely on a dentist-made dental laser to achieve clean teeth:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although a dentist’s use of lasers for cleaning teeth does not eliminate the need for other tools or techniques, using lasers alongside other cleaning practices has helped make these procedures more enjoyable for patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patients typically describe their experiences using a dental laser compared to using traditional dental cleaning methods:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For patients with gum disease, laser cleaning of the teeth is especially beneficial because the dental laser can reach areas below the gum line that traditional cleaning methods cannot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Surprisingly, gum disease is extremely common, and many adults have some form of it without even knowing it. The signs of gum disease are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If left untreated, it can lead to future tooth loss, which is why dentists are increasingly turning to laser treatment for gum infections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Through laser dental treatment for gum disease, the dentist will use a soft tissue laser to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most patients will see:<\/p>\n\n\n\n And that can be significant to anyone who has anxiety about dental procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you hear the term “dental laser surgery,” it may sound severe because we all think of traditional surgical procedures as being more invasive; however, in most cases, dental laser surgery is much less invasive than traditional surgical procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some examples of when dentists may use lasers include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When using lasers to perform these procedures, stitches are often unnecessary because the laser sterilizes and seals the tissues as it performs the surgery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Laser dentistry can offer many advantages over more traditional methods of treating tooth decay. These advantages include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Several dentists believe that lasers help improve their ability to control delicate procedures. Therefore, patients typically experience a more comfortable dental procedure<\/strong> than they otherwise would.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trying out laser dentistry brings a smile to your face, especially if the sound of the dental drill makes you cringe. Laser dentistry can remove decay from your teeth, in some cases using energy so powerful that it actually vaporizes the decayed portions of your tooth, leaving only healthy tooth structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After your cavity is removed, your dentist will place a filling using the same technique they would with more traditional methods. There are limitations on the number of cavities that can be treated using this method; however, many patients choose this option when it meets their needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Types of Dental Lasers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Types](\"https:\/\/azdentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-12.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSoft Tissues <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Hard Tissues <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What Is Laser Teeth Cleaning?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"What](\"https:\/\/azdentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-18.png\")
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Why People Like Laser Cleaning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Why](\"https:\/\/azdentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-16.png\")
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Laser Treatment for Gum Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Laser](\"https:\/\/azdentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-14.png\")
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What Does Laser Treatment Do? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"What](\"https:\/\/azdentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-17.png\")
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When Is Laser Surgery Used in Dentistry?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"When](\"https:\/\/azdentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-20.png\")
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Why Dentists Choose Laser Surgery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Why](\"https:\/\/azdentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-13.png\")
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Laser Treatment for Cavities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Benefits](\"https:\/\/azdentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-15.png\")
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