[Laser technology in dentistry]

Although dental laser treatment is receiving great attention in basic and clinical research, only very few clinical applications have emerged as accepted standard methods. The most promising range of possible applications includes diagnostics and surgery. Most laser systems developed for therapeutic use are heat-producing units, i.e. they convert electromagnetic energy into thermal energy. These systems are employed above all in oral surgery for vaporization, cutting or coagulation of soft tissues and in prosthodontics for welding. More recently, new types of lasers have been developed allowing non-thermal modes of tissue interaction. A great number of technical and biological problems will have to be solved, however, before these laser systems will be practically applicable in such clinical fields as, for instance, caries therapy. In the near future, laser systems are expected to complete and supplement conventional methods in diagnosis and treatment, but not to replace them.