Dentists Split over Use of Dental Lasers

In our most recent survey, we asked dentists if they use dental lasers for treatment of periodontal disease. Respondents were split right down the middle, with 50% reporting they use lasers and 50% reporting they do not. General dentists were significantly more likely than specialists to use lasers to fight gum disease.

In this survey, the groups most likely to report using lasers were general dentists and rural dentists.

Here are just a few of the comments from our dentists (Read more dentist comments on dental lasers):

• “I’ve had both good and bad experiences. It seems that careful case selection is very important. Lasers are not magic.” (New Jersey dentist)
• “Lasers enable early, effective and efficient Interceptive Treatment for Periodontal Disease! They are priceless when used properly!” (New Jersey dentist)
• “The cost / benefit ratio seems unreasonable with lasers; my choice is the electro-surge.” (California implantologist)
• “It is the best thing to come along in dentistry in the past 20 years.” (California dentist)
• “I don’t feel I have adequate training to use the laser that I paid so much for in any regular way. It’s not a comfortable part of any treatment I do at this time. It’s not paying its own bills.” (California dentist)
• “It has been a godsend for me in so many ways.” (Michigan orthodontist)
• “It’s difficult to set up, but once it’s working, it is a great tool when doing perio or crown and bridge procedures.” (Canadian dentist)
• “I don’t currently use one, but I am looking to buy a dental laser within the next several months.” (Illinois dentist)
• “They’re lousy for hard tissue.” (Arkansas dentist)
• “Laser dentists are my biggest referrers, but they don’t know it. When they get the laser and tell patients they need $6,000 of laser surgery, the patients come to me for second opinions.” (Tennessee periodontist)
• Post your comments to our blog or read the full dental laser survey results.