Laser in Pediatric Dentistry

Dentistry has been prompt in exploring several potential applications of laser energy to dental research. Soon after lasers were invented, investigators began to examine the effects of different wavelengths of laser energy on oral tissues. From soft tissue surgery to restorative dentistry, from reshaping healthy gingiva to treating pathological conditions, researchers and clinicians have defined limitations and shown advantages of laser use in dentistry. Lasers in pediatric dentistry have benefits as well as limitations. Though American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes the use of lasers as an alternative method of providing soft and hard tissue dental procedures for infants, children, adolescents, and persons with special health care needs, dental professional requires additional training to use and apply on pediatric dental patients. In the present scenario, lasers can be a useful adjunct to our regular pediatric dental practice.