This crossover study used a 180 mW laser to assess the immediate effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on the pressure pain threshold (PPT) and temporal summation of pain (TSP) in ten healthy volunteers. The participants were randomly assigned to either sequence AB (n = 5) or BA (n = 5). The laser group (Intervention A) underwent PBM therapy. The parameters included a power output of 180 mW, a wavelength of 810 nm, a beam area of 0.35 mm², a power density of 510 mW/mm², an energy of 54 J, and an energy density of 150 J/mm². In contrast, the control group (Intervention B) received sham laser irradiation. The primary outcome measures were the PPT and TSP pre- and post-irradiation, with the TSP magnitude (TSPm) calculated and utilized for analysis. The baseline PPT and TSPm values showed no significant differences between the groups. In the laser group, the PPT significantly increased post-irradiation compared to pre-irradiation (p < 0.001, r = 0.89). The control group exhibited no significant changes pre- and post-irradiation (p = 0.864, r = 0.06). In the laser group, the TSPm decreased significantly post-irradiation compared to pre-irradiation (p = 0.037, r = 0.63). In the control group, no significant differences were observed pre- and post-irradiation (p = 0.399, r = 0.28). These findings suggest that PBM with 180 mW laser may increase PPT and inhibits TSP.

Esthetic dental treatment using lasers has become well known to the public as lasers have become more common in the dental office. The removal of melanin pigmentation is a typical example. All wavelengths are used for the removal of melanin pigmentation. However, It is important to note that the parameters and procedures differ depending on the individual laser device which has different peak power and emission modes. In addition, when performing aesthetic treatment, it is important to listen carefully to the patient’s wishes.

Er:YAG laser, wavelength of 2,940 nm, is highly absorptive of water and can effectively ablate both soft and hard tissues. It has been demonstrated that the Er:YAG laser has minimal thermal damage on surrounding tissues when used for gingival incisions, which makes it a preferred modality over other laser wavelengths. This laser is frequently utilized in dental procedures, including gingivectomy, frenectomy, gingival pigmentation removal, and metal tattoo removal, due to its favorable wound healing properties and reduced pain. A significant advantage of the Er:YAG laser is its effectiveness when used with a thin contact tip, enabling precise and delicate procedures on both hard and soft tissues. This allows for compatibility during treatment using an operating microscope, enabling precise and localized tissue treatment without causing thermal damage. This approach is consistent with the concept of minimally invasive procedures. The article also discusses the use of this laser in the removal of melanin pigment and metal tattoos, where the laser’s selective and minimally invasive tissue vaporization provides effective and satisfactory results for patients. A new technique, Er:YAG laser micro-keyhole surgery (EL-MIKS), has been introduced for the removal of extensive metal tattoos.

Tooth bleaching (whitening) is a minimally invasive and cost-effective dental esthetic treatment that has become popular for enhancing people’s smiles. All in-office bleaching products registered in Japan require light irradiation. Although there are many papers about the application of laser for tooth bleaching, it has not been clinically used in Japan. This article introduces the characteristics and treatment procedures of various tooth bleaching, and it describes tooth staining and discoloration, the mechanism of tooth bleaching, and the indications and contraindications.

The main indications for root coverage procedures are esthetic, cosmetic demands and root sensitivity. Changing the topography of marginal soft tissue in order to facilitate plaque control is also common indication for root coverage procedures. Root coverage surgical procedures used in the treatment of recession defects may basically be classified as pedicle soft tissue graft procedures, free soft tissue graft procedures. Before root coverage is attempted the exposed portion of the root should be rendered free from bacterial plaque. After root planing, contaminants remain in the smear layer of root surface. Various chemicals (EDTA, Phosphoric acid, Tetracycline, etc) are used to remove contaminations from root surface. This is a case report of root coverage procedure using the Er:YAG laser without chemicals.