Lasers in Dentistry—Current Concepts

This book provides information on the basic science and tissue interactions of dental lasers and documents the principal current clinical uses of lasers in every dental discipline. The applications of lasers in restorative dentistry, endodontics, dental implantology, pediatric dentistry, periodontal therapy, and soft tissue surgery are clearly described and illustrated. Information is also provided on laser-assisted multi-tissue management, covering procedures such as crown lengthening, gingival troughing, gingival recontouring, and depigmentation. The closing chapters look forward to the future of lasers in dentistry and the scope for their widespread use in everyday clinical practice. When used in addition to or instead of conventional instrumentation, lasers offer many unique patient benefits. Furthermore, research studies continue to reveal further potential clinical applications, and new laser wavelengths are being explored, developed, and delivered with highly specific power configurations to optimize laser–tissue interaction. This book will bring the reader up to date with the latest advances and will appeal to all with an interest in the application of lasers to the oral soft and/or hard tissues.