Lasers Use in Periodontics

Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers range from those activated by natural gases, elements, molecules, or manmade crystals to those that measure distances to the moon, create laser guided warfare, and record the price of our groceries. Over the past several years, we have seen the strong emergence of lasers in the field of dentistry. The energy generated by the laser is in or near the optical portion of the electromagnetic spectrum which is non-ionizing. It does not produce the same harmful effects attributed to x-rays and other forms of ionizing radiation. A primary goal in treatment of periodontitis is removal of bacterial deposits and halting of disease progression .To achieve this goal a complete removal of adherent plaque,calculus and infected cementum is necessary ,even though complete removal is rare.The nature of laser depends on its wavelength.The Nd:YAG and CO2 lasers are limited due to their their thermal side effects, whereas Er:YAG laser is expected to show efficiency in medical and dental applications because of its thermo-mechanical and dental ablation mechanisms and high absorption of its wavelength by water