Lasers in Periodontics: An Overview

Among commonly used lasers in dentistry viz CO2, Nd:YAG, Ho:YAG, Er: YAG, Er, Cr:YSGG, Nd:YAP, GaAs (diode) and argon, Er:YAG laser, at appropriate settings, possesses the best property for selective subgingival calculus removal without a thermal change of the root surface, soft tissue surgical procedures, root surface alterations, degranulation and implant surface decontamination alongwith proposed application in osseous surgery. Epithelial exclusion using CO2 laser has been suggested to retard its downward growth. Waterlase® and PeriowaveTM systems are recent devices that have further revolutionised the laser techonology for its favourable clinical applications; however, the procedural cost with the laser device still constitutes an obstacle for its routine application.