Lasers in dentistry: a review. Part 1

Area of Science:

• Dental Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Laser Technology

Background:

• Laser applications in dentistry have a 30-year history with limited comprehensive reviews.
• Early dental literature features papers on laser use, but a consolidated overview is lacking.
• The advent of specific laser types, like the Nd:YAG laser, significantly influenced research and application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of dental laser applications.
• To detail the historical progression of lasers in dentistry.
• To cover early uses, focusing on hard and soft tissue applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of dental applications of lasers.
• Historical analysis of key developments, including the Nd:YAG laser.
• Categorization of laser uses based on tissue type (hard and soft).

Main Results:

• The earliest dental uses of lasers are described.
• A surge in interest followed the introduction of the Nd:YAG laser in 1987.
• Lasers have been applied to both hard and soft dental tissues.

Conclusions:

• This review provides a foundational understanding of dental laser history and applications.
• The Nd:YAG laser marked a significant advancement in laser dentistry.
• Understanding historical applications is crucial for future research and development in dental laser technology.