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Lasers

Photo of dentist treating patient with a laser
A laser is a device that emits light. It is sometimes used in surgery to cut and dissolve tissue. In dentistry, lasers have a number of uses. They are most often used in tooth-whitening procedures; however, they also can be used in cavity removal and preparation, and in surgery of the gums and other tissues in the mouth. Research on the effectiveness of lasers in dental procedures is ongoing.