A case study of lasers in cosmetic dentistry.

The dental laser offers revolutionary advantages over traditional cosmetic dental treatment for our patients. These advantages include precision, hemostasis, sterility, and minimal postoperative pain and swelling. The laser interacts with tissue to vaporize it in a predictable manner that produces predictable results. It is used in periodontal plastic surgery, gingivectomy, soft-tissue crown lengthening, crown and bridge gingival retraction, composite curing, biopsy, frenectomy, stage II implant recovery, and more. Fixed prosthetic impressions can be taken immediately following gingivoplasty and sutures and postoperative dressings are eliminated. This paper presents a case study in cosmetic dentistry to demonstrate many of these applications and summarizes current opinion regarding them. It also briefly describes what a laser is and how it works.