This article presents the global consensus report of the World Federation for Laser Dentistry (WFLD) on laser-assisted caries prevention and management. Laser-assisted caries removal is a minimally invasive approach based on selective ablation, targeting demineralized tissues while preserving the adjacent healthy enamel and dentin. This approach aligns with the principles of modern conservative dentistry. Erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) and erbium, chromium-doped yttrium scandium gallium garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) lasers are highly absorbed by water and hydroxyapatite (HAP), enabling precise ablation with minimal thermal diffusion and collateral damage. Laser wavelengths can also exhibit bactericidal effects through thermal and photomechanical mechanisms, reducing the microbial load in carious lesions. The aim was to review, evaluate and consolidate the current evidence on the use of laser technologies in caries prevention and treatment, in light of the emerging scientific knowledge and clinical advancements. This summary is based on the current evidence from in vitro, ex vivo and clinical studies evaluating the interaction of erbium-based lasers (Er:YAG, Er,Cr:YSGG) with enamel and dentin, their effect on the microbial load, fluoride uptake and resin adhesion, and their use in photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy. Laser irradiation induces physicochemical changes in enamel, such as superficial melting and recrystallization, reducing porosity and increasing resistance to acid attacks. Fluoride uptake is enhanced through microstructural modifications, especially when combined with topical fluoride. Subablative laser settings synergize with fluoride to enhance retention without damaging enamel. Laser conditioning before fissure sealing improves surface energy and resin adhesion, reducing microleakage. Photobiomodulation promotes remineralization in early lesions via cellular stimulation. Laser-assisted caries treatment offers precise, minimally invasive management of dental caries with added benefits, such as microbial reduction, structural enhancement and improved adhesion. Careful control of parameters is essential to balance efficacy and safety. Further studies are needed to standardize protocols and confirm long-term outcomes in clinical practice.

Background Managing recalcitrant oral lichen planus (OLP) can be challenging. Laser therapy has been suggested as an alternative to corticosteroids for treatment. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive technique that enables the removal of lesions without surgery. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) can promote healing and recovery of the lesions. Case presentation The objective was to treat unresponsive bilateral OLP of the whole buccal mucosae with a combination of PDT and PBMT. Results A 43-year-old Thai male presented with the severe painful reticular type of OLP of bilateral buccal mucosae involving upper and lower vestibular areas. The lesions were not remitted with either prednisolone systemic steroids or fluocinolone topical corticosteroids. After undergoing ten sessions of PDT with 10% 5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) in the form of thermoplastic gel and a 635 nm diode laser at 100 to 400 mW with an energy density of 20 to 30 J/cm2 in continuous wave mode, combined with five interim-sessions of PBMT using a 635 nm diode laser at 200 to 300 mW with an energy density of 6 to 10 J/cm2 in continuous wave, the patient reported relief of burning sensation beside remission of lesions without any complications. Conclusion The wide-spreading recalcitrant OLP with burning sensation can be managed by combining PDT and PBMT.

This study aimed to compare histological affected zone of tissue samples irradiated by defocused CO₂laser at 1, 2, and 3W continuous wave with and without absorption media. The in vitro experiment was conducted in 70 tissue blocks. The samples were randomly allocated into 7 groups: 10 samples each group, namely, the groups irradiated with 1, 2, and 3W, defocused CO₂laser for 5 seconds, the groups irradiated with 1, 2, and 3W, defocused CO₂laser to the absorption media, and the media alone group as a control. Then the samples were stained with Masson’s trichrome and measured the affected borders under light microscope at 10 × 10 magnification. There was no histological alteration in the groups irradiated with the defocused CO₂laser to the absorption media while the groups without using the absorption media showed the tissue alteration by photoablation.

Background/Objective: Laser therapy has gained attention in dental practice to minimize bleeding and enhance blood clot formation. This study aimed to explore the utilization and to compare the clinical efficacy of laser-mediated hemostasis for older patients receiving routine dental treatment. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted across research networks between October 2023 and August 2024, involving 60 patients aged 50 years and older (average = 63.35 years) at risk of postoperative bleeding following dental treatments. Additionally, laser therapy for hemostasis was selected and provided among calibrated operators. A single researcher performed data collection. Before statistical analysis, data verification and clinical assessment were conducted by the operators and researcher. A clinical cut-off for hemostasis was set at 5 min. Two diode laser machines were used namely, an 810 nm and dual wavelengths of 635 nm and 980 nm. Results: There were 94 extraction sockets, 28 procedures of scaling and root planing and 18 procedures of minor oral surgery. Combining laser ablating sulcular fiber and photobiomodulation initiating blood clot formation was a preferable hemostatic technique for extraction socket, while photobiomodulation alone was a preferred technique for soft tissue hemostasis (p < 0.001). All operators confirmed that 97.86 percent of bleeding events achieved more rapid hemostasis. 61.43 percent of bleeding events clinically achieved hemostasis within 5 min by using laser-mediated hemostasis alone (p = 0.092). Full recovery of the extraction socket was significantly observed during the 2- to 4-week follow-up period (p = 0.005). No clinical complications were reported. Conclusions: Laser-mediated hemostasis effectively reduced hemostatic duration, prevented postoperative bleeding and promoted wound healing in older patients undergoing routine dental treatment.