Lasers in Dentistry 1st Edition

Course overview

Dental lasers have revolutionized dentistry. The potential indications for their use exist in virtually all disciplines of dentistry. Advantages of laser protocols include reduced need for anesthesia, minimized bleeding, and faster healing times. While lasers can be used for cavity preparation, soft tissue management, and pain management, their use has contraindications and limitations. This Quality Resource Guide (QRG) provides an overview of laser physics, safety requirements, and specific laser types. Specific hard tissue and soft tissue protocols are discussed, along with the novel use of photobiomodulation in managing pain and promoting healing in dental conditions such as temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and oral ulcers. The limitations and challenges of laser use, including equipment cost, training requirements, and restrictions in specific clinical scenarios, are also discussed. This QRG serves as an essential resource to assist the dental practitioner in determining whether to incorporate laser therapy in their practice.