Introduction to Diode Laser Therapies in Dentistry

Abstract

Actually, there are different types of lasers that can be used in dentistry, being the diode laser one of the most popular. The therapies in which diode laser is used are photothermic therapy, which is subdivided into low- and high-intensity photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy. Photothermic therapy is based on an increase in local temperature, allowing the incision, excision, ablation, and vaporisation of the tissues, as well as haemostasis and coagulation of lesions. It also produces bacterial decontamination through thermal photo disinfection. Low-intensity photothermic therapy also achieves an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and healing effect. On the other hand, photodynamic therapy facilitates bacterial decontamination through acti vated photodisinfection in combination with a photoactive substance. These therapies can be used in a separate way or combined, obtaining different results depending on the tissue in which they are applied and according to the technical specifications used. Therefore, the diode laser, thanks to its versatility, applicability, and good clinical results in specialities such as endodontics, periodontics, surgery, or implantology, should be considered as an implement of transversal application in contemporary dentistry.