
‘My laser is as essential as my loupes or handpiece, and I can’t live without them’ – why forward-thinking dentists are investing in new technology to elevate patient care.
Lasers are transforming dentistry. They offer precision, speed, and less invasive treatment, reducing stress for patients and practitioners. Driven by an ageing population with complex dental needs, the dental laser market is booming as forward-thinking dentists adopt this advanced technology to enhance patient care.
While the initial costs might overshadow the potential benefits, practitioners have an ethical onus to fully embrace this advanced technology. One study highlights this issue, concluding: ‘Even though many dentists are interested in practising laser, the major drawback lies in its cost factor. If it is used to its full power, the laser can revolutionise dentistry in diagnosis, prevention and treatment planning, thus providing utmost care to patients.’
This calls for a shift in mindset for those who are more hesitant. By recognising the long-term value of laser technology, dentists can embrace a future where care is cutting-edge and patient-centred.
The evolution of laser dentistry
Dental laser technology began in the 1960s with Theodore Maiman’s ruby crystal laser. Early models like the neodymium (Nd) laser-produced powerful beams but were expensive, inconsistent, and limited for hard tissues like enamel.
Adoption grew in the late 1980s and 1990s, with Nd lasers leading in pulsed beam applications but facing limitations in hard tissue procedures. By the late 1990s, advancements like the Erbium laser improved effectiveness in cutting and etching teeth, while CO2 lasers excelled in soft tissue procedures. However, early systems remained bulky and costly, limiting widespread use to pioneering practitioners.
Why diode lasers are a game-changer
Fast-forward to today and diode lasers have become a staple of any forward-thinking practice. This is thanks to their compact design, cost-effectiveness and versatility. Emitting a precise wavelength, these lasers excel in various dental applications, offering key benefits:
- Precision cutting for soft tissue work, including crown prep and decay removal
- Reduced bleeding and pain, promoting comfort and quicker recovery
- Enhanced aesthetics in procedures like crown lengthening and gingivectomy, achieving smooth results.
These qualities make diode lasers invaluable for both therapeutic and surgical dental applications.
One key feature of diode lasers is their ability to operate in continuous wave (CW) and pulsed modes. The 810nm and 980nm wavelengths are especially effective for cutting and coagulation, while the 450 nm wavelength is optimal for antimicrobial applications due to its high absorption of melanin and haemoglobin. The Dawn Light Diode Dental Laser series exemplifies this technology, offering versatile and user-friendly models for dentists of all experience levels.
Applications of diode lasers in dentistry
Diode lasers have diverse applications, including:
- Decay treatment: lasers help with gentle gum removal to access carious tissue, providing a clean, comfortable experience
- Crown preparation: efficient sulcus management and bleeding control during crown preparation make lasers an ideal tool
- Soft tissue procedures: diode lasers excel in procedures such as frenectomy and aphthous ulcer treatment, delivering precision with minimal discomfort
- Pain relief for TMJ disorders: using lasers for trismus relief can help reduce jaw pain and stiffness in patients with TMJ issues
- Non-vital tooth bleaching: laser-assisted bleaching techniques enable safe internal whitening for discoloured teeth
- Crown lengthening: adjusts soft tissue to improve aesthetic outcomes
- Frenectomy: offers a blood-free, precise solution for frenum release.
Recommended laser units
Dawn Light Diode Dental Laser

Dental Sky’s partnerships with leading laser manufacturers ensure dentists can access the best technology to meet their patients’ evolving needs. The Dawn Light Diode Dental Laser is an excellent starting point for dentists new to laser technology. This unit offers 10 watts of power at 810nm, along with a high pulse frequency that enables temperature control for tissue cooling.
It offers high precision, minimal trauma and fast recovery, making it ideal for periodontal, endodontic and hygiene treatments.
Its superior energy penetration and anti-inflammatory properties improve blood circulation, reduce oedema and enhance tissue healing. Its versatile range of applications, including oral surgery, teeth whitening and laser therapy, makes it a safer, more efficient solution for dental procedures.
Dr Simon Agabeg is practice owner at NewSmile Dental Care in Leeds. He says: ‘Could I live without my diode laser? Diode lasers are part of my kit, and I use them multiple times a day. I have five lasers in our two practices, of which the Dawn Light is the latest addition. The beauty of it is that it uses a fibre that we keep shortening. This means that each use costs a fraction of the disposable tips.
‘It’s the same fibre system we started with in 2007 when I got my first Velopex diode laser, so we’re well used to how it works. We use the Dawn Light for troughing around fillings, inlays, crowns and veneers. It’s especially relevant to our Cerec system. It is an essential tool for crown lengthening, frenectomies, operculectomies, implant exposure, cold sore therapy and many other procedures.’

Dawn Diode Dental Laser – Multi-Wavelength
For those looking for broader capabilities, the Dawn Diode Dental Laser – Multi-Wavelength allows for a wide range of treatments.
It combines three laser wavelengths for precise and efficient treatments:
- Blue (450nm) for fast cutting and minimal thermal damage
- Red (635nm) for accelerated healing with pain-free therapy
- Infrared (810nm) for deep penetration and effective disinfection.
Therefore, it is versatile in treating oral surgery, periodontal therapy, endodontics, laser therapy, and teeth whitening. The system features an eight-inch touchscreen with a user-friendly interface, offering 40-plus pre-sets and customisable parameters. This advanced technology ensures low trauma, high precision and quick patient recovery.
Training programmes cover everything from power settings to sterilisation, ensuring practitioners are well-prepared for effective and safe laser treatments.
Dental Sky understands that cost efficiency is a priority for dental practices. The Dawn Light tips are affordable and autoclave-compatible, ensuring hygiene and reducing recurring expenses. Diode lasers are known for their longevity and reliability, with minimal maintenance requirements, making them a worthwhile investment for practices looking to elevate their care delivery without excessive operational costs.
Embracing the future
The dental laser market is experiencing significant growth for good reason. As patients become increasingly aware of laser dentistry’s advantages – reduced bleeding, minimal swelling and faster recovery times – demand will drive more practices to adopt the technology. By integrating lasers and ensuring proper training now, dentists can secure a future, unlocking the full potential of the technology to enhance patient care and boost the practice’s success in the years ahead.
This article is sponsored by Dental Sky.