In laser dentistry, lasers are used to remove or alter hard and soft tissues in a variety of dental procedures. Laser treatment may reduce bleeding during and after surgical procedures, cause less discomfort (and subsequently reduce the need for anesthesia) and reduce swelling. Most commonly, lasers are used in procedures involving soft tissues in the mouth like the gums. The lasers often used for these purposes are the diode laser, the carbon dioxide laser and the Nd :YAG laser.

                   Lasers can cut and remove soft gum tissue, making them useful in procedures, such as creating a trough around the gum for improved visibility and dental access and reshaping the gums for aesthetic purposes. Sometimes lasers are used to remove excess gum tissue and release overly tight muscle attachments in the mouth or treat oral ulcers and cold sores. Laser therapy can also treat periodontal disease, or gum infection, by removing the infected lining of gum tissue around the teeth and supporting the regeneration of healthy gum tissue.

                   Lasers may be used in a number of other dental procedures, including laser teeth whitening, setting restorative materials, such as crowns or fillings, and detecting tooth decay.