Laser applications in dentistry: an evidence-based clinical decision-making update

ABSTRACT

Lasers are being widely used in medicine. In the last two decades laser applications in dentistry have been promoted and backed by randomized controlled clinical trials and laboratory based research. Advances in Laser technology have been accepted in many walks of our daily life. The biological friendly Lasers have been developed and applied for clinical uses in dentistry. The primary aim of this review is to update general and specialist dental practitioners about the recent advances of various lasers uses in dentistry. The updated review has covered many aspects of lasers, e.g, Physics of lasers, classifications, wavelengths, types, clinical uses of surgical and non-surgical lasers in dentistry, including Implant dentistry. Finally, the Laser safety measures in clinical practice, advantages and disadvantages based on Evidence-based literature review have been discussed. The secondary aim of the evidence based review on Lasers is to enable general dentists to make good decision when buying the equipment, based on scientific rationale rather than influenced by marketing forces. One should be technology friendly rather than technophobic one should however, be careful in selecting this equipments, as there are advantages, and disadvantages in the use of Lasers both for the patients and the operators. The clinical decision should be based on evidence-based scientific rationales, affordability and predictable outcomes: