This narrative review thoroughly examines how laser technology is used in modern dentistry, based on 67 studies from 2018 to 2023. It covers the latest advancements, such as photobiomodulation (PBM), which speeds up tissue healing and controls inflammation. The review also highlights new applications in dental implants, root canal treatments, and teeth whitening. Findings show that lasers greatly improve the accuracy of dental procedures and enhance patient results. However, challenges like high costs and the need for specialized training slow their widespread use. The review stresses the importance of incorporating lasers into everyday dental practice and points to opportunities for future innovations in the field.

This study, titled “Quantifying light energy from 450 nm, 650 nm, 810 nm, and 980 nm wavelength lasers delivered through dental hard tissue” (Lasers in Dental Science, 2022), investigated ex vivo how much light energy from four laser wavelengths penetrates dental crowns to reach the pulp, using 30 extracted human teeth (incisors, premolars, molars).

At 0.5 W for 10 s (5 J total), results showed light transmission strongly depended on wavelength and crown thickness (P < 0.05); tooth type only significantly affected the 450 nm wavelength.

Measured absorption coefficients (µ) were approximately: 980 nm ≈ 2.55 cm⁻¹, 810 nm ≈ 2.45 cm⁻¹, 650 nm ≈ 1.87 cm⁻¹, and 450 nm ≈ 5.42 cm⁻¹ (±10%).

The study concludes that substantial attenuation by hard tissue should be considered in clinical practice to ensure sufficient light energy reaches the pulp for effective photobiomodulation.

In this research, pig‐tongue specimens were excised using either a scalpel (control), micro‑pulsed, or super‑pulsed 940 nm diode lasers to assess thermal damage and cutting efficiency. No laser group showed deeper thermal penetration differences, although the micro‑pulsed setting G3 produced significantly smaller damage areas than some others. Excision times for the super‑pulsed laser were as fast as the scalpel and faster than all micro‑pulsed modes It concluded that super‑pulsed diode lasers, with proper settings, match scalpel speed and reduce collateral tissue damage, offering reliable surgical outcomes.

This prospective, single-center study evaluated the safety and efficacy of 1940 nm endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) with a radial fiber over a 3-year follow-up. A total of 177 procedures were performed on incompetent great and small saphenous veins. The results showed significant reductions in vein diameter and complete disappearance of treated segments. Compared to historical data on 1470 nm EVLA, the 1940 nm laser demonstrated lower postoperative pain, fewer complications, and effective vein occlusion with less energy. Manual pullback and individualized dosimetry (40–60 J/cm) contributed to favorable outcomes. While the study was non-randomized and limited by COVID-19, findings support the use of 1940 nm EVLA as a safe, efficient option for treating truncal vein incompetence. Further randomized studies are recommended.

This pilot study investigates the combined effects of conventional podiatric intervention and phototherapy on chronic lower-limb ulcers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The authors recruited seven patients with a total of 15 ulcers and assigned them to three groups receiving either standard care with placebo phototherapy, phototherapy applied directly to ulcers, or phototherapy to both ulcers and regional lymph nodes.

Results demonstrated enhanced healing outcomes in groups receiving phototherapy, with 40% of treated ulcers completely resolving within 8 weeks and no adverse effects reported. The group receiving phototherapy only on the ulcers showed the most favorable healing rate, while additional irradiation of lymph nodes did not significantly improve outcomes.

The study explores the clinical application of a 1470 nm laser combined with a fractional (Frax) handpiece for non-invasive facial rejuvenation. A total of 30 female patients with moderate facial wrinkles and skin laxity underwent treatment sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. The Frax handpiece utilizes a microneedle-like array to deliver subdermal laser energy in a fractional pattern, targeting collagen-rich dermal tissue while sparing the epidermis. Evaluations showed statistically significant improvements in skin tightening and wrinkle reduction, with minimal adverse effects such as transient erythema and edema. Pain scores were low, and most patients reported high satisfaction with the aesthetic outcomes. Histological analysis confirmed new collagen and elastin formation post-treatment. The findings suggest that the 1470 nm Frax system is a safe, effective, and patient-friendly modality for facial skin rejuvenation, offering advantages such as minimal downtime, precision targeting, and suitability for diverse skin types.