31 March 2026

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Lasers in surgical periodontics and oral medicine

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Although the discovery of lasers and research into their applicability for dental use began in the 1960s, it was not until 1985 that the first documented use of a laser in periodontal surgery was published.

Early efforts were limited to those soft tissue procedures that could be performed using a straight optical lens/articulated arm delivery system. This limitation meant that only areas accessible by direct vision could be treated.

A second and equally important limitation was the inability of lasers to interact favorably with calcified tissues such as tooth structure and bone. In 1985, Myers and Myers modified an ophthalmic Nd:YAG laser for dental use. It soon was noted by clinicians that this wavelength could be used for soft tissue surgery. Subsequent advances in laser research produced a hollow wave guide delivery system for carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers and a fiber-optic delivery system for other wavelengths, making access to the entire oral cavity much easier.

Additional research led to the applicability of other wavelengths such as argon, holmium, diode, and erbium for dental use.

Author: Stuart Coleton

Source: https://www.dental.theclinics.com/