LASER: An Innovative Tool in Paediatric Dentistry

The application of LASERs in paediatric dentistry has increased over the past years. The word LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation and was developed by Theodore Maiman by using a synthetic ruby crystal in 1960. LASERs can be categorized on the basis of its wavelength, active medium used, mode of delivery system, operating mode, degree of causing hazards and on the basis of type of applications. LASERs offer advantages in creating a painless and bloodless field, thus, rendering a clear working field for the operator. It also helps in reducing the patient's anxiety and resulting in a cooperative child patient. LASERs have wide variety of applications in paediatric dentistry including both hard and soft tissue applications. Hard tissue applications include prevention and diagnosis of dental caries, cavity and tooth preparations as well. Pulp capping, pulpotomy, root canal disinfection, exposure of unerupted teeth, minor oral surgical procedures, enhanced wound healing and tooth bleaching are numerous soft tissue applications. Therefore, LASERs have been increasingly used in paediatric dentistry.