What was the first type of pulsed laser used in dental procedures?

The first type of pulsed laser used in dental procedures was the Nd:YAG laser, which stands for Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet. This laser type was introduced in the dental field primarily for its ability to perform various soft and hard tissue procedures, including cutting and coagulating. Its particular wavelength is well-absorbed by dental tissue and has the appropriate penetration depth, making it effective for applications such as cavity preparation and gum surgeries.

Being versatile, the Nd:YAG laser can be utilized for several dental treatments, which contributed to its early adoption. Its capabilities, including pain reduction during procedures and the potential for minimal thermal damage to surrounding tissues, helped establish it as a valuable tool in modern dentistry.

Unlike the Er:YAG, which is more recent and mainly used for ablative procedures, or the CO2 laser, which is traditionally favored for soft tissue work but not as versatile in dental applications, the Nd:YAG laser's unique characteristics made it the pioneering choice in the dental arena. Diode lasers were developed later and primarily focus on soft tissue applications, further highlighting the distinct role of the Nd:YAG laser in the initial introduction of laser technology into dentistry.