Laser Dentistry: Uses, Benefits, Risks & What the Evidence Shows

Laser dentistry uses concentrated light energy for selected dental procedures. Different wavelengths and settings interact with teeth, bone, gums and other tissues in different ways, so “laser dentistry” is not one treatment. Its usefulness depends on the specific procedure, the laser system, the clinician’s training and the evidence for that indication.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Walter Kostrzewski, DMD
Dr. Kostrzewski has more than two decades of experience in dentistry and reviews the dental information published by ACE Dental Resource.

What is laser dentistry?

A dental laser delivers light energy at a selected wavelength and power. The tissue response depends on factors such as wavelength, energy settings, exposure time and the tissue’s optical properties. Some lasers are used for soft tissue, some for hard tissue, and some systems have applications in both.

The FDA recognizes dental applications of medical lasers that include selected endodontic and periodontal procedures, tooth whitening and oral surgery. FDA information also emphasizes that laser surgery has potential risks and requires appropriate use. [1]

What are dental lasers used for?

Application	How lasers may be used	Evidence / limitation
Soft-tissue surgery	Selected gum and oral soft-tissue procedures	Can provide precise tissue removal or coagulation in appropriate cases.
Hard-tissue procedures	Selected preparation or caries-removal procedures	Evidence varies; laser treatment is not automatically faster or better than a conventional bur.
Periodontal treatment	Selected laser-assisted approaches	Adjunctive benefits depend on the laser and protocol; evidence remains mixed.
Tooth whitening	Some systems use light or laser energy as part of a whitening protocol	Light activation should not be assumed to improve whitening; evidence is protocol-specific.
Photobiomodulation	Low-level light applications studied for pain or tissue response	Evidence depends on condition, wavelength, dose and protocol.

Hard-tissue lasers: are they better than the dental drill?

Not necessarily. A 2025 meta-analysis of 20 in-vivo studies involving more than 1,000 patients found no significant difference in restoration survival or pulp vitality between laser and conventional bur caries excavation, while laser excavation was significantly slower. The authors rated the evidence low and advised caution in interpreting the results. [2]

This is a useful example of why technology claims need to be matched to the clinical question: a laser can be useful in selected cases without being a universal replacement for conventional instruments.

Lasers and gum disease

Lasers have been studied as adjuncts to periodontal therapy, but evidence does not support treating every periodontal problem with a laser. The ADA’s evidence-based periodontal guideline historically found the evidence for several nonsurgical laser adjuncts uncertain and did not recommend their routine use over established periodontal treatment on the available evidence. [3]

More recent research continues to examine specific laser systems and protocols. A 2026 meta-analysis of laser-assisted periodontal therapy found a nonsignificant pooled improvement in clinical attachment level for Er:YAG adjunctive therapy, illustrating that results can be promising without establishing a universal benefit. [4]

Lasers for early enamel-caries prevention

Laser irradiation has also been investigated for preventing or reducing enamel demineralization. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis found evidence of potential effects in selected high-caries-risk experimental and clinical settings, but this should not be interpreted as a replacement for established preventive measures such as fluoride use and professional risk-based care. [5]

Potential benefits of laser treatment

Depending on the procedure and settings, lasers may provide precise tissue interaction and can sometimes reduce bleeding or the need for sutures. The FDA notes that properly used medical lasers can reduce blood loss and postoperative discomfort in some surgical settings, while also emphasizing potential risks. [1]

Possible risks and limitations

Laser treatment can cause pain, tissue injury or incomplete treatment if improperly selected or used.
Not every dental procedure has a proven benefit from laser treatment.
Laser systems vary substantially in wavelength, power and clinical indication.
Appropriate eye protection and laser-safety procedures are essential.
Laser treatment may add cost without adding meaningful clinical benefit for a particular procedure.

Laser dentistry versus conventional treatment

Question	Laser approach	Conventional approach
Is it less invasive?	Sometimes, depending on the procedure.	May be equally appropriate for the same indication.
Is anesthesia always unnecessary?	No. Some procedures still require local anesthesia.	Local anesthesia is also procedure-dependent.
Is healing always faster?	Not established for every application.	Healing depends on the procedure and tissue involved.
Is it more effective?	Evidence varies by indication and protocol.	Conventional methods remain standard for many procedures.

Questions to ask before choosing laser dentistry

Which laser and wavelength will be used?
What specific problem is the laser intended to treat?
What evidence supports it for this exact procedure?
Would a conventional approach provide a similar result?
What are the risks, costs and expected recovery?
What training and experience does the dentist have with this laser?