Laser dentistry treats hard and soft tissue with great precision, preserving healthy structure and, in many cases, reducing the need for anaesthesia and stitches as well as post-operative discomfort.
How it works
LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Unlike ordinary light, laser light has a single wavelength, is coherent and can be focused with great precision.
When it reaches tissue, its energy is absorbed by specific molecules — chromophores. Water and hydroxyapatite predominate in enamel, dentine and bone; haemoglobin and melanin in soft tissue. Each wavelength has a different affinity for each chromophore, and that relationship defines what a laser can — and cannot — do.
Beyond the device itself, the outcome depends on the parameters: power, pulse energy, frequency, pulse duration and cooling. Adjusting them to each tissue and each clinical situation is what ensures effectiveness and safety.
Wavelengths
Water, hydroxyapatite, haemoglobin and melanin respond to different wavelengths. Select a laser to see its characteristics and indications.
Diode laser
810–980nm
The most versatile laser for soft tissue. Its energy is absorbed mainly by pigments, making it effective for surgery, decontamination and biostimulation.
Nd:YAG laser
1064nm
Deep tissue penetration with strong coagulation and decontamination capacity.
Er,Cr:YSGG laser
2780nm
Works on both hard and soft tissue, with precise ablation and water-spray cooling.
Er:YAG laser
2940nm
The wavelength most strongly absorbed by water. It removes tissue with great precision and minimal thermal effect.
CO₂ laser
9,300–10,600nm
Precise cutting and excellent haemostasis in soft tissue. At 9,300 nm it can also treat hard tissue.
Indicative values. The parameters for each treatment are set individually, after clinical assessment.
Treatments
Lasers are indicated in many areas of dentistry — as the main technique or alongside other approaches.
Erbium lasers remove decayed tissue selectively, with water cooling and without the vibration of a conventional drill. In many cases the need for local anaesthesia is reduced.
The treated surface is decontaminated and ready for the restoration, preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Typical indications: Small and medium-sized cavities, sealants and preventive restorations, patients who fear anaesthesia.
In gum disease, the laser complements mechanical cleaning: it reduces the bacterial load in periodontal pockets and supports the tissue response.
Typical indications: Gingivitis and periodontitis, periodontal maintenance, bleeding gums.
Inflammation around implants calls for careful decontamination of the implant surface. Erbium lasers can clean it without damaging it and treat the inflamed tissue.
Typical indications: Inflammation, bleeding or bone loss around dental implants.
Lip or tongue frenectomies, gingivoplasties, exposure of impacted teeth or removal of small lesions: the laser cuts and coagulates at the same time, reducing bleeding and often making stitches unnecessary.
Typical indications: Short lingual or labial frenum, excess gum tissue, small benign lesions.
In root canal treatment, laser energy is used alongside disinfection, helping to reduce bacteria in parts of the canal system that instruments struggle to reach.
Typical indications: Root canal treatments and retreatments.
Sensitivity to cold, heat or touch can be relieved by applying the laser to exposed dentine, alone or combined with desensitising agents.
Typical indications: Pain with cold or hot drinks, exposed roots, sensitivity after whitening.
Laser application can ease the pain of mouth ulcers and cold sores and speed up their healing. It is also used to remove benign lesions of the oral mucosa.
Typical indications: Recurrent mouth ulcers, cold sores, small benign lesions.
At low power, laser light doesn’t cut — it stimulates cells. It is used to support healing after surgery and extractions, to relieve pain and inflammation and alongside the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain.
Typical indications: Post-operative care, pain and inflammation, TMJ disorders.
Without the vibration of the drill, and often with less anaesthesia, erbium laser treatments tend to be better tolerated by children and by adults who are anxious about the dentist.
Typical indications: Paediatric dentistry, dental anxiety, sensitivity to anaesthesia.
Lasers complement — they don’t replace — other techniques.
In every case, the options available with and without a laser are explained, so that the decision is always an informed one.
Benefits
When properly indicated, lasers allow more conservative treatment and a smoother recovery.
In many procedures, such as caries removal with erbium lasers, the need for local anaesthesia is reduced or even avoided.
In soft-tissue surgery the laser cuts and coagulates at the same time, which often makes sutures unnecessary.
Selective removal of diseased tissue allows smaller interventions that preserve healthy tooth structure.
Laser energy reduces the bacterial load in periodontal pockets, root canals and implant surfaces.
Less bleeding and less inflammation generally mean a calmer post-operative period.
Photobiomodulation supports healing and helps control pain and inflammation.
Safety
Your appointment
A conversation about your concerns and expectations, a clinical examination and, when needed, further tests.
An explanation of the diagnosis and treatment options, with and without laser, and the corresponding estimate.
Carried out with the right laser and parameters for each tissue, with eye protection and maximum comfort.
Clear aftercare instructions and check-ups to assess healing and the result.
Most patients describe it as more comfortable than conventional techniques. In many procedures — especially caries removal with erbium lasers — the need for anaesthesia is reduced. Local anaesthesia is always available when needed.
Yes, when used by properly trained professionals with the right equipment and parameters. The laser light used in dentistry is not ionising radiation like X-rays. During treatment, patient and team wear specific protective glasses.
In many situations, erbium lasers can remove decay without a drill. In others — for example, removing old metal or ceramic restorations — the drill is still needed. The choice is made case by case.
Yes. The absence of vibration and, often, the reduced need for anaesthesia make lasers well accepted by children, particularly for small cavities and frenectomies.
Many treatments can be carried out safely during pregnancy, but each situation is assessed individually and, when necessary, coordinated with your doctor.
In soft-tissue procedures, the laser reduces bleeding and inflammation, which tends to make the post-operative period more comfortable. Healing time always depends on the procedure and the individual.
It depends on the treatment. An estimate is always presented and explained before any procedure begins.
Yes. If you already have a proposed treatment plan and want to know whether a laser could be an alternative or a complement, you can book a second-opinion appointment.
Appointments
She sees patients in Lisbon, at White Clinic, and in Porto, at the Institute of Laser Dentistry. Appointments are booked directly with each clinic.