Full List of FDA-Cleared Dental Laser Indications

Friday, March 17, 2023

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Although laser dentistry has been available since the 1960s, popularity for this innovative treatment didn’t gain popularity until the 1980s, when controlled and random studies began to be published and accepted. Today, laser dentistry is an evolving technology, capable of much more than simply cutting soft tissue. While procedures are getting faster and recovery time is improving, it’s important to note that all laser users should consult their manufacturer for questions regarding contraindications and appropriate treatment doses, as well as for safety instructions and maintenance.

With the advancements in laser dentistry, dental healthcare professionals should consider how the Gemini™ laser family can improve their patient experience, as well as their bottom line.

The Gemini laser family has been cleared by the FDA for the following list of indications for dental laser treatment:

Surgical Procedures:

  1. Excisional and incisional biopsies
  2. Exposure of unerupted teeth
  3. Fibroma removal
  4. Frenectomy
  5. Frenotomy
  6. Gingivectomy troughing for crown impression
  7. Gingivectomy
  8. Gingivoplasty
  9. Gingival incision and excision
  10. Hemostasis and coagulation
  11. Implant recovery
  12. Incision and drainage of abscess
  13. Leukoplakia
  14. Lesion (tumor) removal
  15. Operculectomy
  16. Oral papillectomies
  17. Pulpotomy
  18. Pulpotomy as an adjunct to root canal therapy
  19. Reduction of gingival hypertrophy
  20. Soft tissue crown lengthening
  21. Treatment of canker sores, herpetic, and aphthous ulcers of the oral mucosa
  22. Vestibuloplasty
  1. Soft tissue curettage
  2. Removal of diseased, infected, inflamed, and necrosed soft tissue within the periodontal pocket
  3. Removal of highly inflamed edematous tissue affected by bacteria penetration of the pocket lining and junctional epithelium
  4. Sulcular debridement (removal of diseased, infected, inflamed, and necrosed soft tissue in the periodontal pocket to improve clinical indices including gingival index, gingival bleeding index, probe depth, attachment loss, and tooth mobility)
  5. Reduction of bacterial level (decontamination) and inflammation

Pain Therapy

  1. Topical heating for the purpose of elevating tissue temperature for a temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain and stiffness, minor arthritis pain, muscle spasm, minor sprains and strains, and minor muscular back pain; the temporary increase in local blood circulation; and the temporary relaxation of muscle.

Dental lasers are making many soft tissue dental procedures easier than ever. For more information on how lasers are impacting the dental industry, you can read more about how Ultradent is further improving laser dentistry here.