Technology is constantly evolving, and dentistry is no different. Every industry looks for ways to automate tasks, simplify processes, and alleviate pain points. Forward-thinking dental offices leverage advanced tools to improve patient care and experience. At Koval & Koval, we are always exploring innovative solutions – one of the most important investments we’ve made has been in laser technology for dentistry. We want to help patients understand the benefits of this technology for cosmetic and restorative dentistry, so we’ve put together this brief introduction to laser dentistry.

What is Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry refers to the use of focused light energy (lasers) in dental procedures to improve treatment outcomes and patient comfort. It is a less invasive, highly precise, and gentle alternative to many traditional dental tools like drills or scalpels. The word LASER itself is an acronym for “Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation.” Importantly, lasers have actually been used in dentistry for longer than most people realize – the first dental laser was experimented with in the 1960s. However, their popularity in clinical practice only truly began to rise in the last couple of decades, after what one review described as “an explosion of research studies in laser application” driving improved techniques and outcomes. In modern dental offices, lasers can be applied in a variety of treatments to cut or shape tissue, remove decay, cure materials, and even enhance whitening, all with greater patient comfort than conventional methods.

What are the Different Kinds of Lasers Used in Laser Dentistry?

Lasers used in dentistry are not all the same. They can be classified in various ways – for example, by the active medium that generates the laser (such as gas vs. solid-state lasers), by the type of tissue they are intended for (hard tissue lasers for teeth and bone, vs. soft tissue lasers for gums and other soft tissues), or by their wavelength and power output. Each laser type has specific applications and benefits. In one academic review, the authors highlight four major types of dental lasers commonly used, which include the following:

• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Laser: This gas laser emits a beam with a high affinity for water in tissues, making it excellent for rapid soft tissue cutting and cauterization. CO₂ lasers can precisely vaporize soft tissue with minimal bleeding (the laser seals blood vessels as it cuts). Dentists use CO₂ lasers for procedures like excising gum tissue or lesions with very shallow penetration and good hemostasis.
  
  
• Neodymium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Nd:YAG) Laser: A solid-state laser whose wavelength is highly absorbed by pigmented tissues (like the red hemoglobin in blood). The Nd:YAG is a powerful soft-tissue surgical laser – it cuts and coagulates soft tissues very effectively, making it a great tool for oral surgeries that require cutting gums or other soft tissue with controlled bleeding. It has also been studied for non-surgical periodontal therapy (laser gum disease treatment) due to its ability to target diseased pocket tissues.
  
  
• Erbium Family Lasers (Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG): “Erbium” lasers come in two common crystal types (erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet, and erbium chromium yttrium scandium gallium garnet). These wavelengths have a high affinity for both water and hydroxyapatite (the mineral in tooth enamel), which makes them the laser of choice for hard tissue applications like cutting into teeth or bone. Uniquely, erbium lasers are versatile enough to be used on both hard and soft tissues. Dentists can use an Er:YAG laser to prepare cavities in teeth or to remove decayed tooth structure, often with no drill and minimal anesthesia, as well as to gently vaporize soft tissue when needed.
  
  
• Diode Laser: A semiconductor-based laser that typically emits in the 810–980 nm wavelength range. Diode lasers are compact and used predominantly for soft tissue procedures. Their light is absorbed by pigments like melanin and hemoglobin, making them effective for soft tissue cutting and coagulation. Common uses of diode lasers in dentistry include aesthetic gum reshaping (gingival recontouring), soft-tissue crown lengthening, exposing partially erupted or impacted teeth, removing inflamed or excess gum tissue, frenectomies (removing a restrictive frenum attachment), and even therapeutic treatment of mouth ulcers or herpetic lesions.
  
  

Each dental practice may choose different lasers based on the services they focus on – some offices have a full suite of laser types, while others might select one or two that best fit their treatment needs. Our practice utilizes a variety of these laser tools. In particular, we employ the following lasers and devices:

The Waterlase

The Waterlase is an advanced all-tissue dental laser (from BIOLASE) that combines laser energy with a stream of water and air. This laser energizes water molecules to precisely cut hard and soft tissues in a “cool” manner, meaning it does not generate the excessive heat, pressure, or vibration that a dental drill or electrosurgery might. As a result, procedures with the Waterlase are typically much less invasive and often virtually painless, with little to no need for anesthesia in many cases. We use the Waterlase for a range of treatments: for example, removing gum infections, sculpting or recontouring gum tissue, treating cold sores, and performing minor surgical procedures like biopsies. Because the laser can precisely remove diseased tissue or tooth decay without grinding on healthy structure, it often reduces the amount of scraping or drilling required. Whatever the operation, the laser technology behind the Waterlase makes it easier to manage pain and reduce trauma, leading to a much better experience and faster recovery for the patient.

The Diode

As mentioned earlier, diode lasers are ideal for many soft-tissue procedures. In our office, we use a diode laser for tasks such as aesthetic gum recontouring (to improve a “gummy smile”), gentle removal of excess or hypertrophic gum tissue, and laser treatment of ulcers or fever blisters. The precision of the diode laser’s beam allows us to target only the affected tissue and seal blood vessels as we go, which helps reduce pain and bleeding for the patient. Because there is minimal collateral damage to surrounding areas, patients also find it easier to recover from the operation compared to a scalpel surgery – often experiencing less post-operative swelling and discomfort.

The Argon

The Argon laser emits a blue-green light and is one of the three dental laser wavelengths approved by the FDA for tooth whitening procedures (along with certain CO₂ and diode lasers). While argon lasers can be used to activate whitening gels for faster teeth bleaching, in our practice we primarily use the Argon laser for another purpose: fast and efficient bonding of restorations. The argon laser’s light is well-suited to curing resin-based dental materials because its wavelength corresponds to the activation peak of common photo-initiators in dental composites. In practical terms, this means we can use the argon laser to quickly harden bonding materials or sealants, achieving a strong bond in a fraction of the time, which adds efficiency to procedures like filling placements.

The DIAGNOdent™

The DIAGNOdent is a specialized diagnostic laser tool used to detect and identify areas of tooth decay (cavities) at an early stage. It works by shining a safe laser light into the tooth and measuring fluorescence from the tooth structure to find hidden decay. According to dental researcher Maria Perno Goldie, RDH, MS, “a considerable percentage” of tooth decay lesions “go undetected using conventional procedures and instruments.” In other words, even with X-rays and exams, very small cavities or ones lurking in the pits of teeth can be missed by traditional methods. The DIAGNOdent’s laser fluorescence technology helps catch these cavities and problem areas much earlier – often before they are visible or causing pain – so we can address them with preventative care or minimal restorations and prevent further damage down the line.

The LightWalker

The final laser technology we use is the Fotona LightWalker system. The LightWalker is a combined hard- and soft-tissue dental laser that operates with two wavelengths (an Erbium laser and a Nd:YAG laser in one unit), making it extremely versatile for a wide range of treatments. This state-of-the-art laser is perfect for many cosmetic and surgical dental procedures, from cavity preparations and gum surgeries to periodontal therapy. In fact, the LightWalker laser line is famously described by its manufacturer as being “designed for dental perfectionists and all forward-thinking professionals”. Those qualities align with our philosophy at Koval & Koval. By utilizing advanced tools like the LightWalker (along with the Waterlase, diode, and others mentioned above), we continually innovate our practice to provide cutting-edge treatments with superior precision and patient comfort.

What are the Advantages of Laser Dentistry?

Dentists who utilize lasers don’t do so just because the technology is new or “cool” – we do it because of the clear benefits it provides to patients. Our biggest desire is to serve our patients and help them enhance their smiles in the most comfortable way possible. Laser dentistry is simply another avenue to achieve that goal. By using lasers, we are able to create a more comfortable environment and deliver excellent results with less trauma. Laser procedures often allow for more precise treatment that is less invasive and gentler on the patient, turning what used to be an intimidating experience into a much more positive one.

Some of the specific benefits of laser dentistry include:

• Virtually painless treatment: Laser dental procedures typically cause minimal pain or discomfort. The laser’s “cool cutting” mechanism avoids the heat, pressure, and vibration of a drill, so often little to no anesthetic is needed. Many patients even have fillings done with a laser and feel nothing more than mild sensations during the process.
  
  
• Less anesthesia required: Because laser dentistry is so precise and causes less pain, in some cases we can perform procedures with only topical numbing or no injection at all. This is a great benefit for patients who fear needles or hate the numb feeling after a dental visit.
  
  
• More natural results: The precision of lasers means we remove only the targeted decayed or diseased tissue and preserve as much healthy tooth structure or gum tissue as possible. By conserving more of your natural tooth, restorations are smaller and the tooth stays stronger. Similarly, laser gum treatments can be very exact, leading to more natural-looking outcomes.
  
  
• Less bleeding and swelling: Laser energy cauterizes blood vessels as it works, which leads to minimal bleeding during soft-tissue surgeries and also often reduces post-operative swelling. The laser’s ability to clot blood quickly means we often don’t even need sutures for gum procedures, and patients have less inflammation as they heal.
  
  
• Fewer dental visits: Certain treatments can be done more efficiently with lasers. For instance, a laser can sometimes harden a filling or perform a gum procedure in a single session that might otherwise require multiple appointments. In general, laser treatments often can be completed faster or in fewer sessions, saving patients time.
  
  
• Accurate and precise methods: The focused beam of a laser can target small areas without affecting surrounding healthy tissues. This precision leads to less collateral damage – for example, a laser can vaporize a tiny bit of decayed enamel in a pit without having to drill a large access hole. Greater accuracy also means treatments are more predictable and there’s less chance of unintended harm.
  
  
• Reduced trauma: Laser dentistry is considered minimally invasive. There are no mechanical cutting edges scraping against your teeth or gums, which significantly reduces tissue trauma. By avoiding the micro-fractures in teeth that drills can cause and the large incisions that scalpels require, lasers cause less trauma. This translates to less pain during and after treatment and a lower risk of complications.
  
  
• Versatility: Dental lasers are extremely versatile tools – the same device might be used for cutting hard tooth structure, disinfecting a root canal, contouring gums, and even whitening teeth. For example, our all-tissue Waterlase has over 80 FDA-cleared uses across various dental procedures. This versatility means a wider array of treatment options can be offered to patients, often with better outcomes.
  
  
• Faster recovery times: Thanks to the reduced trauma and stimulation of biotissue healing responses, patients typically heal faster after laser procedures. Lasers sterilize as they work (killing bacteria), and cause less inflammation, so your body can recover more quickly. Many laser treatments result in little to no post-op discomfort and accelerated healing of tissues, getting you back to normal life sooner than traditional surgery would.
  
  

What can I expect from Laser Dentistry in Sarasota, Florida?

Every patient who walks through our doors is treated as a unique individual. We take the time to find out exactly what makes your smile special, so we can provide personalized treatments that enhance your smile’s natural beauty and leave you feeling confident for years to come. When you visit our Sarasota office, you can always expect to receive the attentive care you deserve in a comfortable environment.

If your treatment involves laser dentistry, you can anticipate less discomfort, minimal bleeding, and a faster recovery time compared to traditional methods. Because lasers are so precise and gentle on tissues, there is typically far less pain during the procedure and much less post-operative soreness or swelling. For example, a gum surgery done with a laser may have almost no bleeding and heal in days with little irritation, whereas the same surgery with a scalpel might have required stitches and a longer recovery. This gentler experience is ultimately why we decided to invest in laser technology – we wanted to make cosmetic and restorative dental treatments more approachable for every patient. There are so many benefits to loving your smile, and we believe the process of getting to that confident smile should be comfortable and free of fear. Laser dentistry helps make the road to your best smile much more pleasant, removing many of the pain points that used to discourage people from getting the dental care they want or need.

Closing Thoughts

At Koval & Koval, we’re constantly looking for ways to improve our patients’ experiences. Our team stays up-to-date by researching the latest technology and best practices in modern dentistry. We have found that laser dentistry is one of the most helpful innovations in the field. While we continue to offer a full range of procedures and approaches to meet each patient’s needs, we’re especially excited to provide the option of laser dentistry here in Sarasota, Florida. The precise, minimally invasive nature of laser treatments empowers us to deliver outstanding results while also reducing pain and anxiety and creating a less intimidating environment for patients. The old expectations of a dreaded, uncomfortable dental visit are rapidly fading away, and we’re happy to show you what the future of gentle, high-tech dentistry looks like!

Bonus Material: Further Reading

For those who are curious to learn more about the science and technology behind laser dentistry, here are a few additional resources that you may find helpful:

• Foundational Research: “Laser in Dentistry: An Innovative Tool in Modern Dental Practice” – an article from the National Journal of Maxillofacial Surgery that provides an overview of dental laser types and history. This is a great starting point to understand how lasers became integrated into dentistry.
  
  
• Academic Review: Another useful read is a 2025 review from the National Library of Medicine on advanced lasers in dentistry, which discusses various clinical applications and the benefits of laser treatments in detail.
  
  
• Consumer Overview: A more general overview from Healthline explains laser dentistry’s benefits, uses, and what patients can expect in layman’s terms. This is geared toward a popular audience and covers pros and cons of laser dental procedures.
  
  
• Manufacturer Info: The BIOLASE website provides details on their laser dentistry products, including our Waterlase iPlus all-tissue laser, with information on how these lasers work and their clinical advantages. This can give you an idea of the capabilities of the latest dental laser equipment.
  
  

Feel free to ask us any further questions about laser dentistry or any of the other technologies and procedures we offer. We love sharing our knowledge with patients and helping you understand the cutting-edge care you receive!