All wavelengths have essentially the same mechanism of tissue interaction. The absorption of energy from the laser beam results in a highly localized conversion to heat, causing disruption of the target tissue. This is called a photothermal reaction. The result is a wide and significant variety of surgical proceduresincluding curing of dental resins, caries removal and cavity preparation, dentin and enamel modification and enhanced bleaching of the dentition.

Dental lasers have three main benefits:

• Lasers serve as an adjunct to regular treatments – simplifying some procedures, saving time in others and enhancing outcomes in still others.
• Lasers can replace conventional therapies with equal or improved results.
• Lasers offer new treatment options that heretofore were not available.