Current laser dentistry.

Current laser dentistry since our initial studies in 1964 is reviewed. Three areas are considered: routine dental office practice, tooth restoration, and oral surgery. For tooth restoration and oral surgery, CO2 and neodymium:YAG lasers are used and lasers are used in photodynamic therapy for oral cancer. Dental office practice today is concerned mostly with uncontrolled studies of biostimulation and requires more basic research and controlled clinical studies. The laser industry in the United States should take a more active interest in defining the applications of lasers in dentistry.