Laser Technology in Prosthodontics: A Review

Laser is an acronym, which stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Several decades ago, the laser was a death ray, the ultimate weapon of destruction, something you would only find in a science fiction story. Then lasers were developed and actually used, among other places, in light shows. The beam sparkled, it showed pure, vibrant and intense colors. Today the laser is used in the scanners at the grocery store, in compact disc players, and as a pointer for lecturer and above all in medical and dental field. The image of the laser has changed significantly over the past several years. With dentistry in the high tech era, we are fortunate to have many technological innovations to enhance treatment, including intraoral video cameras, CAD-CAM units, RVGs and air-abrasive units. However, no instrument is more representative of the term high-tech than, the laser. Dental procedures performed today with the laser are so effective that they should set a new standard of care. The scientific method and artistic details prescribed for reconstructive dentistry are well has been documented. The current use of lasers in reconstructive dentistry encompasses a wide variety of soft tissue procedures. The future may hold promise for hard tissue laser use in crown preparation, bone recontouring, and implant placement.