The Top 5 Diode Lasers in Dentistry
March 25, 2025
For decades, soft tissue procedures in dentistry meant sharp blades, sutures, and long recoveries.
But times have changed. Today, diode lasers are replacing traditional cutting tools, offering precision, speed, and a far more comfortable experience for patients.
A diode laser uses focused light energy to treat soft tissue with minimal bleeding and faster healing. It sculpts, trims, and sterilizes all in one step, making procedures like gingival contouring, frenectomies, and periodontal therapy smoother and more predictable.
High-power diode lasers, known for their advanced technology and efficiency, are particularly effective in dental applications.
The adoption of diode lasers is on the rise. Projections shared by Dentistry Today indicate that by 2024, diode lasers will account for approximately 44.4% of the dental laser market.
As more dental practices embrace laser beam technology, one thing is clear — modern dentistry no longer needs a scalpel to achieve surgical precision.
The real question is, which diode laser is right for your practice? Let’s talk about it.
What Are Diode Lasers?
A diode laser is a semiconductor laser that harnesses electrical current to produce a coherent beam of light. At its core, the laser diode is a forward-biased p-n junction, where the recombination of electrons and holes releases energy in photons.
This phenomenon, known as stimulated emission, generates a beam of light that is coherent, meaning the light waves are in the same phase and wavelength.
The operation of diode lasers revolves around converting electrical current into light. When an electrical current flows through the p-n junction, it excites the electrons. These excited electrons then recombine with holes, releasing energy as photons.
This process, called lasing, produces a focused beam of light that can be precisely controlled and directed.
Diode lasers are celebrated for their high efficiency, reliability, and compact size. These attributes make them useful in various fields, from materials processing and telecommunications to medical applications. Their ability to produce light with pinpoint accuracy and minimal thermal impact makes them particularly valuable when precision is paramount.
How Dental Diode Lasers Enhance Treatment
Laser light technology has reshaped modern dentistry, replacing scalpels and sutures with precision and light. Diode lasers offer a new way to treat soft tissue, making procedures smoother, healing faster, and patient experiences more comfortable.
Less Invasive, Faster Healing
Traditional methods require cutting, stitching, and long recoveries. Diode lasers work differently. They make precise incisions while sealing blood vessels and nerve endings. The output power of diode lasers achieves these precise incisions and minimizes bleeding and swelling.
This not only means less bleeding, but less swelling, and a faster return to normal.
Pinpoint Accuracy with Laser Beam
Dentistry demands precision. Diode lasers remove only the necessary tissue, leaving surrounding areas untouched. They also help sterilize the treatment site, lowering the risk of infection and improving post-op recovery.
The thin layer in the active region of the laser diode, where electrons and holes recombine to produce light, is vital for the precision of the laser. This layer plays a fundamental role in the stimulated emission for the design of external cavity lasers (ECLs).
Less Pain, More Comfort
Many laser treatments need little to no anesthesia. With no stitches and minimal irritation, patients experience less discomfort and a smoother recovery. The process is also quieter, making visits feel less stressful.
Pulsed operation, a method used in laser diodes (LDs), contributes to reduced pain and improved patient comfort during laser treatments. This operational method enhances the performance of light-emitting devices, leading to better treatment outcomes.
A Better Way to Treat Soft Tissue and Surrounding Tissue
Diode lasers help with:
- Gum Contouring: Reshaping uneven gum lines.
- Frenectomy: Releasing restrictive tissue.
- Periodontal Therapy: Removing infected gum tissue.
- Crown Lengthening: Exposing more tooth structure.
- Teeth Whitening: Activating whitening agents for faster results.
Soft tissue treatment no longer has to be slow or uncomfortable. Diode lasers bring speed, comfort, and precision to modern dentistry.
Applications of Diode Lasers
Diode lasers have revolutionized numerous industries thanks to their efficiency, reliability, and compact design.
In materials processing, they are used for cutting, welding, and engraving, offering unparalleled precision and control. The telecommunications industry relies on diode lasers for high-speed data transmission, where their ability to produce light at specific wavelengths ensures clear and fast communication.
In the medical field, diode lasers are used in various procedures, from soft tissue surgeries to pain management and even in dental applications. Their precision allows for minimally invasive procedures, reducing recovery times and improving patient outcomes.
The ability to produce light with specific wavelengths and high beam quality directed towards an active layer makes diode lasers a versatile tool in modern medicine.
Top 5 Dental Diode Lasers in 2025
Dental diode lasers have become a cornerstone of modern dentistry, offering precision, versatility, and improved patient comfort. Whether for soft tissue surgery, pain relief, or advanced periodontal procedures, the right laser can improve treatment outcomes while ironing out complicated workflows.
Are you considering adding a diode laser to your practice? Below are five of the top diode lasers making waves in 2025:
1. BIOLASE Epic X
BIOLASE has long been a leader in laser dentistry, and the Epic X continues to set the standard. This all-in-one diode laser, utilizing advanced laser diodes, is designed for multiple applications, including soft tissue surgery, pain management, and teeth whitening.
With advanced technology, the Epic X allows for faster, more precise incisions while minimizing bleeding and swelling. Its advanced software provides preset modes that simplify procedures, making it an excellent choice for both experienced and first-time laser users.
Additionally, the system includes a proprietary Deep Tissue Laser Therapy mode, which helps with pain relief and faster healing by promoting better circulation and reduced inflammation.
For practices looking to expand their laser capabilities beyond surgical applications, the Epic X provides one of the most comprehensive solutions available.
2. Picasso Lite+
The Picasso Lite+ is a compact, user-friendly diode laser designed for general dentistry and soft tissue applications. It balances affordability with high performance, making it a great entry point for dentists new to laser technology.
This laser is ideal for gingival contouring, hemostasis, and periodontal pocket therapy. It features pre-set treatment modes, simplifying the process for busy practitioners. The lightweight handpiece and straightforward controls allow for smooth operation, which reduces the learning curve.
For practices seeking a reliable, cost-effective diode laser that delivers consistent results, the Picasso Lite+ is a solid option.
3. AMD Laser – Picasso+
The AMD Picasso+ builds on the success of the Picasso Lite+, offering enhanced power and flexibility for a wider range of soft tissue procedures.
With adjustable power settings and preset modes, this laser makes it easy to customize treatments based on tissue type and procedure. It is frequently used for frenectomies, periodontal treatments, and implant uncovering, providing clean incisions and quick healing.
One of its standout features is its affordability without sacrificing performance. It offers the precision and reliability of higher-end lasers while remaining budget-friendly, making it a great investment for growing practices.
4. Gemini 810 + 980 Diode Laser
The Gemini 810 + 980 is the first dual-wavelength diode laser available in the U.S., offering enhanced flexibility and cutting efficiency.
By combining 810 nm and 980 nm wavelengths, it provides optimal soft tissue cutting with reduced thermal impact, making procedures safer and more comfortable for patients. The illuminated LED tip enhances visibility, increasing accuracy during surgeries.
With 19 pre-programmed procedure settings, dentists can easily switch between applications like gingivectomy, implant exposure, and operculectomy, making it one of the most adaptable diode lasers available.
5. LightScalpel LS-2010
The LightScalpel LS-2010 is designed for high-precision soft tissue surgeries, offering advanced laser technology for procedures requiring extra finesse.
Unlike some diode lasers, the LS-2010 provides a wide range of adjustable power settings, allowing for customized treatment approaches based on the patient’s needs. This makes it ideal for detailed work such as frenectomies, gingival sculpting, and periodontal therapy.
The fiber delivery system facilitates smooth, controlled cutting, reducing post-operative swelling and discomfort. For dentists who need precise, fine-tuned control, the LightScalpel LS-2010 is an excellent option.
Choosing the Right Dental Diode Laser
A diode laser can change the way you perform soft tissue procedures, but choosing the right one depends on your practice’s needs.
Here’s what to look for in a Diode laser.
- Lasing Wavelength: Some lasers, like the Gemini 810 + 980, offer dual wavelengths for flexibility, while others focus on a single wavelength.
- Power Settings: Adjustable power levels help control cutting speed and precision. Models like the BIOLASE Epic X come with preset treatment modes for efficiency.
- Ease of Use: Features like wireless foot pedals, touchscreens, and lightweight handpieces improve workflow. Compact models, such as the Picasso Lite+, offer portability without sacrificing performance.
Integrating a Diode Laser Action Into Your Practice
Many dentists start with gingival contouring, frenectomies, and periodontal therapy before expanding into advanced treatments. Hands-on training from manufacturers like BIOLASE and LightScalpel makes adoption easier.
Marketing and how you present the laser to patients is also important. Patients appreciate less discomfort and faster healing, but they need to know laser dentistry is available. Highlighting your practice’s laser services in consultations and online can boost demand and help people feel comfortable with them.
Cost vs. ROI: Considering Output Power
Diode lasers range from $4,000 to $15,000, but the return on investment can be significant. Faster treatments, fewer follow-ups, and expanded services help cover costs quickly. Many practices see a return within a year, especially those that actively promote laser dentistry.
CAD-Ray offers expert guidance and financing to help you find the right laser for your practice.
Laser Dentistry Isn’t the Future—It’s the Now
Diode lasers have moved beyond being a high-tech luxury. They are redefining soft tissue treatments, making procedures faster, cleaner, and more comfortable for both dentists and patients.
As more practices adopt laser technology, the question isn’t whether diode lasers will become standard — it’s how quickly those who invest now will pull ahead.
Choosing the right laser is about more than specs and features. It’s about finding a tool that fits your workflow, expands your treatment options, and improves patient care.
CAD-Ray makes the process simple. With expert guidance, industry-leading technology, and flexible financing options, we help dental professionals integrate the best diode lasers into their practice.
Contact us today to get started!
