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LASER DENTISTRY
What Type of Dental Laser Is Best for My Practice?
By: BIOLASE
Dentistry is evolving fast. From AI-enhanced diagnostics to minimally invasive procedures, today’s dental patients are seeking safer, faster, and more comfortable care. That’s why more dentists than ever are turning to dental laser technology to elevate their clinical outcomes and patient experience. However, with numerous options available on the market, many dentists ask, “What type of dental laser is best for my practice?”
Whether you’re just beginning to research laser dentistry or are ready to make a purchase, this guide will help you understand the different types of dental lasers, what to consider before investing, and the best dental laser that fits your practice needs.
Why More Dentists Are Turning to Laser Dentistry?
Adding a dental laser isn’t just about having the latest tech, it’s about delivering better care and building a future-ready practice. Here are some of the top benefits laser dentistry has to offer.
1. Enhanced Patient Comfort
Lasers reduce the need for scalpels, sutures, and in many cases, even anesthesia. That means:
- Less post-operative discomfort
- Shorter healing time
- Less vibration or drilling noise
- Ideal for anxious patients and children
2. Minimally Invasive Procedures
Laser energy precisely targets the treatment area, minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues. This allows for:
- Reduced need for anesthesia
- Reduced bleeding and swelling
- Cleaner, more controlled incisions
- Preservation of healthy tooth and bone structure
- Add multi-quadrant, single-visit procedures
3. Improved Clinical Outcomes
Laser procedures often result in:
- Faster recovery
- Lower risk of infection
- Enhanced tissue regeneration
- Better long-term success rates, especially in periodontal and endodontic cases
4. Increased Patient Acceptance
Many patients associate traditional dental tools with discomfort. Lasers help change that perception by offering a gentler, more comfortable experience, making patients more likely to accept treatment plans and return for follow-up care.
Types of Dental Lasers: What’s the Difference?
Dental lasers are typically categorized into soft-tissue, hard-tissue, and all-tissue systems. Choosing the right one depends on the types of procedures you perform and where you want your practice to grow.
1. Soft Tissue Lasers (Diode Lasers)
Best for: Hygienists, general dentists, periodontists
Soft tissue lasers use wavelengths that are absorbed by water and hemoglobin, making them ideal for procedures involving the gums and oral mucosa. They’re compact, affordable, and great for hygiene departments and adjunctive therapies.
Common Applications:
- Gingivectomy and gingivoplasty
- Frenectomy
- Aphthous ulcer and cold sore relief
- Periodontal pocket therapy
- Soft tissue crown lengthening
2. Hard Tissue Lasers (Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG)
Best for: General dentists, endodontists, pediatric dentists
Hard tissue lasers use energy wavelengths that are absorbed by water and hydroxyapatite, allowing them to remove enamel, dentin, and even bone.
Common Applications:
- Cavity preparations without anesthesia
- Root canal disinfection
- Caries removal
- Hard tissue crown lengthening
- Pediatric restorative procedures
3. All-Tissue Lasers
Best for: Full-service general dentists, implantologists, oral surgeons, specialists
All-tissue lasers offer the most flexibility. With both soft and hard tissue capabilities, they allow you to expand your procedure mix and replace multiple conventional tools, like drills, scalpels, and electrosurgery units.
Common Applications:
- Flapless crown lengthening
- Implant uncovering and maintenance
- Bone grafting and sinus lifts
- Root canal irrigation and debridement
- Deep pocket therapy with regeneration
5 Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a Dental Laser
Not every laser is created equal. Here’s what to ask yourself before deciding which laser system is right for your dental office.
1. What procedures do I currently offer and which ones do I want to expand into?
If you primarily offer hygiene and perio maintenance, a diode laser (soft tissue laser) might be the best fit. If you want to perform advanced surgeries or minimize the use of anesthesia, an all-tissue laser will offer the greatest return on investment.
2. How important is patient experience in my practice?
Today’s patients are seeking safer, more comfortable, and holistic dental care, and they’re choosing providers who can deliver it. Laser dentistry supports these preferences by offering a no-drill, no-shot experience that reduces anxiety and speeds up recovery.
Promoting this kind of patient-first innovation can significantly boost word-of-mouth referrals and online reviews. It helps position your practice as modern, compassionate, and committed to delivering the highest standard of care.
3. What’s my team’s comfort level with new technology?
Look for laser systems that are intuitive and come with robust clinical training and certified continuing education (CE). BIOLASE, for example, offers in-office onboarding, CE webinars, and live hands-on training for you and your staff.
4. Will the laser integrate into my existing workflow?
Integrating new technology into your practice requires careful consideration. When selecting the right dental laser, it’s especially important to evaluate performance, ease of use, quality, maintenance, and safety. Choosing a system that seamlessly fits into your workflow is essential to maintaining efficiency and ensuring your team stays productive, without disrupting operatory flow.
5. What support and warranty does the company offer?
Ongoing support makes all the difference. Choose a manufacturer that stands behind their technology with warranty coverage, clinical coaching, and US-based customer service.
How Laser Technology Grows Your Practice
Many BIOLASE customers report a full return on investment within 12 to 18 months, paired with proper marketing, training and education. *
- Boost treatment acceptance with minimally invasive options
- Reduce chair time with faster procedures
- Attract new patients with tech-forward messaging
- Enhance your online reputation with glowing reviews
- Open doors to high-value services like laser perio therapy, endo, and implants
*Based on BIOLASE customer testimonials, case studies, and practice performance data. Actual ROI varies based on practice size, procedure volume, and integration.
Ready to Find the Best Dental Laser for Your Practice?
If you’re serious about elevating your clinical outcomes, improving patient satisfaction, and expanding your services, now is the time to explore how laser technology can work for you.
What Sets BIOLASE Apart:
- All-tissue and soft-tissue systems for every practice type
- Largest library of FDA-cleared laser dental procedures (80+)
- Comprehensive CE programs and on-demand education
- Trusted by leading clinicians in general, pediatric, implant, and endodontic dentistry
- Backed by clinical studies and peer-reviewed publications
See it for yourself and experience the power of BIOLASE lasers in your office. Schedule your free in-office laser demo and see why thousands of dentists are making the switch to our award-winning lasers.