Lasers are an exciting advancement in the field of dentistry, now well-established in the dental armamentarium for both soft tissue and hard tissue procedures. Multiple types of dental lasers exist, each with unique properties which have significant differences in their individual benefits and limitations.
Core Properties that determine benefits and limitations:
 | DENTAL LASER TYPESThere are 4 common laser types in dentistry: Diode, Nd:YAG, Erbium, and CO2 each with a unique laser-tissue interaction based on wavelength. Laser types are named after the active medium – the actual component that produces the laser energy when stimulated. The 1064 Nd:YAG wavelength is produced by Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet. |
Dental Laser WavelengthLight is measured in wavelengths. Dental laser wavelengths are
Each wavelength interacts with tissue differently: The 1064 wavelength passes through water and Hydroxyapatite; but is absorbed in melanin and hemoglobin. |  |
 | Dental Laser Pulse DifferencesThe three primary pulse modes in laser dentistry have profound differences on how the laser energy (heat) affects the tissue. Continuous: Laser energy is always “on”; potentially damaging heat can build in the tissue quickly. Continuous mode is like placing your finger over a candle flame and holding it there. Gated Mode: A half on/half off exposure to laser energy; ability of the tissue to absorb the heat is limited. Gated mode is similar to slowly passing your finger through a candle flame, eventually it will be burned. Free Running Pulse: Very short bursts of laser energy; adequate time between each pulse to allow the tissue to absorb and dissipate the heat to minimize thermal damage. Free running pulse is similar to rapidly moving your finger through the candle flame. There is plenty of time for the momentary high heat to be absorbed without harm. |
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