The use of lasers in periodontology

Clinical lasers are of two types: "soft" and "hard" lasers. Soft lasers are claimed to aid healing and to reduce inflammation and pain. However, few rigorous studies are available to support their use. Surgical hard lasers can cut both hard and soft tissues, and newer varieties can transmit their energy via flexible fiberoptic cables. Many procedures can be performed without local analgesia, and because lasers sterilize as they cut, in spite of current controversies, they promise to find uses in all disciplines of dentistry, including periodontics.