Medically Reviewed by Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM
Laser dentistry uses a narrow, focused beam of light energy, rather than a traditional drill or scalpel, to treat a wide range of dental conditions. LASER stands for light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation, and in a dental setting, that light energy can cut, vaporize, or reshape tissue with a level of precision that traditional instruments cannot always match. The result is often a less invasive, more comfortable treatment experience for many common procedures.
At Newport Beach Dental Center, we use laser dentistry across a range of procedures where it offers a real advantage over conventional tools. Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, incorporates laser technology into treatment plans where it can reduce discomfort, bleeding, and recovery time compared to traditional methods.
What Conditions Can Laser Dentistry Treat?
Dental lasers are versatile enough to play a role in many different procedures, whether the goal is diagnostic, restorative, or purely cosmetic. Some of the more common uses include the following:
- Cavity detection and early decay diagnosis
- Preparing teeth for fillings and other restorations
- Treating tooth sensitivity
- Teeth whitening
- Canker sores and cold sores
- Removing infected or overgrown gum tissue
- Excising a benign, non-cancerous oral tumor
- Reshaping throat tissue related to snoring or sleep apnea
- Nerve regeneration procedures
- Treating an overly tight tongue frenulum attachment
Because different procedures call for different laser types, we select the specific laser and wavelength based on the tissue involved and the outcome we are trying to achieve. For example, a laser used to remove overgrown gum tissue is not the same laser used to prepare a tooth for a filling, since gum tissue and tooth structure absorb light energy very differently.
Soft Tissue Versus Hard Tissue Lasers
Dentists rely on a couple of different categories of lasers, and each interacts with the tissue in your mouth differently. Choosing the right one depends on whether the treatment involves your gums or your teeth.
Soft Tissue Lasers
Soft tissue lasers are absorbed by hemoglobin and water, both of which are abundant in gum tissue, which makes these lasers the right tool for procedures involving the gums rather than the teeth or underlying bone. A useful side benefit is that as a soft tissue laser cuts, it also seals the treated blood vessels almost immediately, which helps control bleeding and lowers the risk of infection at the treatment site.
Hard Tissue Lasers
Hard tissue lasers are used when treatment involves the teeth rather than the gums. These lasers are calibrated to work through calcium phosphate, the main mineral component of both teeth and bone, allowing for precise removal of decay or preparation of a tooth surface without some of the vibration and pressure associated with a traditional drill.
Common Dental Lasers and How They Are Used
Several distinct laser types show up across dental practices, and each one is suited to particular tissues and procedures. Diode lasers are among the most frequently used soft tissue lasers, valued for treating gum tissue, canker sores, and cold sores with minimal bleeding. Carbon dioxide and argon lasers are also FDA-cleared for soft tissue work and offer similarly precise cutting with built-in cauterization. On the hard tissue side, Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers are commonly used for cavity preparation, enamel etching, and conservative decay removal, since their wavelength interacts efficiently with the mineral content in tooth structure without generating the heat and vibration of a traditional drill.
The specific laser used for your treatment depends on the tissue involved, the depth of the procedure, and your dentist’s assessment of which wavelength will achieve the best result with the least disruption to surrounding tissue.
Is Laser Dentistry Safe?
Dental lasers cleared for use in the United States go through the same regulatory review as any other dental device, and a 2025 policy statement from the FDI World Dental Federation notes that laser dentistry, when used with proper training and evidence-based protocols, offers benefits including minimally invasive treatment, reduced bleeding through improved tissue coagulation, and less intraoperative and postoperative pain. That same guidance stresses that safety depends heavily on the dentist’s training and judgment about which cases are appropriate for laser treatment, which is why we evaluate each case individually rather than defaulting to laser treatment for every procedure. During treatment, both patient and provider wear protective eyewear, and the laser itself is programmed to operate within tissue-specific limits to keep treatment precise.
What to Expect During and After a Laser Procedure
Most patients notice that laser procedures feel different from the moment treatment begins. Because lasers cauterize tissue as they work, bleeding is often minimal, and many soft tissue procedures require little to no anesthesia. Afterward, recovery tends to be faster than with traditional surgical instruments, since the precision of the laser causes less trauma to the surrounding tissue, which in turn can mean less swelling and a shorter healing period. That said, recovery time still varies by procedure and by patient, and we will walk you through what to expect for your specific treatment beforehand.
How Laser Dentistry Compares to Traditional Tools
Traditional drills and scalpels remain the right choice for many procedures, and laser dentistry is not meant to replace every conventional tool. Where lasers tend to offer a real advantage is in procedures involving soft tissue, where the combined cutting and cauterizing action reduces bleeding, or in situations where a patient is especially anxious about the noise and vibration of a traditional drill. For deeper restorative work or certain surgical procedures, traditional instruments may still be the more appropriate option. We help each patient understand which approach fits their specific treatment.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Laser Dentistry?
Many patients are good candidates for at least one type of laser treatment, though the right fit depends on the specific procedure being considered. Patients who feel anxious about the noise, vibration, or pressure of a traditional drill often find laser treatment more comfortable, and patients who take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder can sometimes benefit from the reduced bleeding that comes with soft tissue laser procedures. Children and patients who prefer to avoid anesthesia when possible are also frequently good candidates for the soft tissue applications listed above. Certain deep restorative or surgical cases still call for traditional instruments, so we assess each situation individually rather than assuming laser treatment is automatically the better option.
Laser Dentistry at Newport Beach Dental Center
Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, and she incorporates laser technology into treatment when it offers a genuine benefit for the patient in front of her, whether that means treating gum disease, addressing throat tissue connected to sleep apnea, or performing an oral cancer screening follow-up procedure. If a routine exam or cleaning reveals an issue that could benefit from laser treatment, we will talk you through your options in plain terms before moving forward.
To find out whether laser dentistry is a good fit for your next procedure, reach out through our online contact form to schedule a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Dentistry
Is laser dentistry painful?
Most patients report that laser procedures feel more comfortable than traditional treatment with a drill or scalpel. Many soft tissue procedures require little to no anesthesia, since the laser reduces the vibration and pressure typically associated with dental instruments. Some sensitivity afterward is still possible depending on the specific procedure.
Is laser dentistry safe?
Yes, dental lasers used in the United States are regulated devices that go through the same safety review as other dental equipment. Safety also depends on proper training, which is why dentists complete dedicated laser certification before offering these treatments, and why we evaluate each case individually to confirm laser treatment is the right fit.
Does dental insurance cover laser dentistry?
Coverage varies by plan and by the specific procedure being performed. Many insurers cover laser treatment the same way they would cover the equivalent traditional procedure, such as gum disease treatment or a cavity filling, but some cosmetic laser applications may not be covered. We can help you understand your specific coverage before treatment begins.
How long does recovery take after a laser dental procedure?
Recovery time depends on the specific procedure, but many soft tissue laser treatments heal faster than the same procedure performed with a scalpel, thanks to reduced tissue trauma and minimal bleeding. Some patients notice little to no downtime, while more involved procedures may still require a few days of gentle care while the area heals.
What is the difference between soft tissue and hard tissue lasers?
Soft tissue lasers are absorbed by hemoglobin and water, which makes them well suited for gum tissue procedures, while hard tissue lasers are calibrated to work through the calcium phosphate found in teeth and bone. The two categories are not interchangeable, so the dentist selects the appropriate laser type based on whether the treatment involves your gums or your teeth.
