My dentist is currently looking for a gum specialist who will use an argon laser to treat this. What side effects and risks are associated with this procedure and what exactly does that laser do. Kim Loos Dr. Kimberly A. Loos practices general dentistry in San Jose, California. She is also a clinical instructor at University of Pacific School of Dentistry and an editor for Dentistry On-Line. Dear Melissa, Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification of Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
Lasers have many applications and are becoming more widely used in medicine and dentistry.
There are several different types of lasers which may be used in dentistry, and each one has specific applications. CO2 is the fastest at soft tissue removal, but care must be exercised with CO2 laser usage as it is easily reflected off dental instruments and may inadvertently affect a non-treatment area. YAG laser is currently used for soft tissue removal, hemostasis, and coagulation. Argon lasers come in two wavelengths of light. The other wavelength is good for removal of soft tissues.