Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers are FDA approved for cutting tooth, bone and soft tissue. Their extremely short pulses and high peak power allow for efficient enamel and dentin photoacoustic ablation. Erbium lasers can prepare all classes of restorations. Many restorations can be accomplished without local anesthesia. Experienced laser practitioners report needing anesthesia only ten to 20% of the time, usually for amalgam removal, larger lesions, or particularly sensitive teeth.
Advantages of using erbium laser for operative dentistry include: