Soft Tissue Lasers in Dentistry: Enhancing Precision and Healing
March 25, 2025
When it comes to safe dentistry, precision means putting patient comfort first and prioritizing a comfortable, hygienic experience.
Gone are the days when procedures relied on scalpels and other traditional tools. Enter soft tissue lasers — a groundbreaking innovation that’s reshaping dental practices.
By 2032, Fortune Business Insights projects the global dental laser market will grow from $317.5 million to over $637 million, demonstrating just how popular these tools are becoming.
Advanced laser systems can cut through soft tissue with unmatched accuracy, dramatically reducing recovery times, minimizing discomfort, and providing patients with a more comfortable experience.
With dental soft tissue lasers, dental professionals are now able to perform delicate procedures with greater efficiency, transforming the landscape of modern dental care.
What Are Soft Tissue Lasers?
Soft tissue lasers are a type of dental laser specifically designed for procedures involving the soft tissues in the mouth, such as the gums and inner oral tissues.
Unlike traditional methods that can be more invasive, these lasers use focused light energy to carefully cut, shape, or remove soft tissue with minimal disruption to surrounding areas. This results in less bleeding, reduced pain, and a faster recovery time for patients.
Types of Dental Lasers Used for Soft Tissue Treatments
There are various types of dental lasers used in soft tissue laser dentistry, each designed for specific functions. Some of the most commonly used types include:
Dental Diode Lasers
Often considered a staple in soft tissue dental treatments, dental diode lasers are highly versatile tools that offer pinpoint precision with minimal discomfort. These diode lasers are particularly effective in cutting and coagulating soft tissues, making them ideal for procedures like crown lengthening, frenectomies, and gum reshaping.
Dental diode lasers work by emitting a focused light beam, which targets the water and pigmentation in the tissue, allowing for quicker, more accurate cuts with minimal bleeding. The reduced heat production also reduces the risk of thermal damage, facilitating a safer, more efficient procedure.
With their compact size and easy handling, dental diode lasers are perfect for both general dental practitioners and specialists alike, enhancing treatment outcomes and reducing post-operative pain.
CO2 Lasers
CO2 lasers are highly effective for soft tissue dental procedures, offering precise cuts and simultaneous coagulation. These lasers are ideal for complex treatments like gum recontouring, frenectomy, and removal of benign soft tissue tumors.
The infrared light absorbed by tissue vaporizes the targeted area with minimal thermal damage to surrounding tissues.
One of the main advantages of CO2 lasers is their ability to minimize bleeding by sealing blood vessels during the procedure, resulting in a cleaner, safer treatment. This leads to quicker recovery times and less discomfort for patients.
Patients undergoing treatment with CO2 lasers often report less pain compared to traditional methods, making them an ideal choice for those seeking a more comfortable experience with faster recovery.
Each type of dental laser comes with its own set of benefits, depending on the specific treatment needs.
Soft tissue dental lasers have proven to be particularly indispensable tools in the dental field. In comparison to other lasers, they allow dentists to offer more advanced, minimally invasive dental procedures to their patients.
Benefits of Soft Tissue Laser Dentistry
(1) Precision
One of the main advantages of using a soft tissue dental laser is its precision. Dentists can target specific areas without affecting the surrounding tissues. This minimizes the risk of complications and enhances the overall outcome of the procedure.
(2) Faster Healing
Soft tissue lasers promote quicker healing compared to traditional methods. The light energy used in laser procedures seals blood vessels and nerve endings, reducing swelling and discomfort.
As a result, patients can experience less downtime, pain relief, and faster recovery times. In fact, a recent 2024 study compared the effectiveness of diode lasers to traditional scalpels in soft tissue crown lengthening procedures. The researchers concluded that the laser group experienced significantly less pain and discomfort on days three and seven post-op.
(3) Minimal Discomfort
Laser treatments often result in less pain and discomfort during the procedure compared to traditional methods, which can involve stitches or sutures. Many patients report feeling little to no discomfort during or after the procedure.
(4) Reduced Risk of Infection
The laser’s ability to sterilize the surgical site while performing procedures reduces the chances of infection. This targeted hygiene benefit makes it an excellent choice for patients with concerns about healing quickly and safely.
Additionally, recent studies shared in 2024 have highlighted the effectiveness of diode lasers in reducing bacterial counts in periodontal pockets, which can improve outcomes when combined with scaling and root planning procedures.
(5) Versatility
A soft tissue laser can be used for a wide variety of dental treatments, such as gum contouring, treatment of gum disease, fibroma removal, addressing aphthous ulcers, and even the treatment of cold sores.
This versatility allows for a wide range of soft tissue treatments with minimal impact on the patient.
Why Choose Soft Tissue Lasers?
The precision, reduced discomfort, and faster recovery associated with soft tissue lasers make them a preferred choice for many dental professionals.
At CAD-Ray, we offer industry-leading dental laser machines that integrate the latest technology into your practice. Our company empowers dentists to perform soft tissue treatments with ease and accuracy.
One of our flagship products, the Sol Laser Dental system, offers a comprehensive solution for soft tissue procedures. Whether you’re performing a simple gingivectomy or a more complex soft tissue surgery, our dental soft tissue laser facilitates precise, predictable results every time.
This system is an excellent addition to any dental practice looking to expand its capabilities and provide patients with minimally invasive treatments that accelerate recovery.
The Future of Soft Tissue Laser Dentistry
As technology continues to evolve, the capabilities of soft tissue lasers will only expand.
With advancements in dental lasers, treatments will become even more efficient, precise, and comfortable for patients. The ability to perform complex procedures with minimal bleeding or discomfort is changing the way we think about dental care.
Find the Right Dental Laser for Your Practice
Soft tissue laser dentistry offers numerous advantages, from precision and reduced discomfort to faster healing and a minimized risk of infection.
With a range of types of dental lasers available, including our soft tissue dental laser systems at CAD-Ray, dental professionals can confidently provide patients with superior care. By adopting these innovative tools, practices can enhance their treatment offerings, improve patient satisfaction, and stay at the forefront of modern dental care.
For more information on our dental laser machine options or to learn how a dental soft tissue laser can elevate new procedures in your practice, explore the CAD-Ray site today.