###### Abstract
The extended application of heat, even at temperatures of around 40 \({}^{\circ}\)C (as experienced during lamp-activated bleaching), has the potential to impact the health of the dental pulp [29; 31]. During laser-activated bleaching, however, the temperature increase is brief, typically lasting around 30 s [31; 32; 33]. This allows sufficient time for the pulp tissue to relax, and when the irradiation parameters are appropriately combined with suitable absorbers in the bleaching gels, it is unlikely to give rise to any adverse events [15; 34]. Furthermore, direct contact between the bleaching products and oral soft tissues can cause irritation. The \"caustic\" nature of the bleaching agents can result in soft tissue irritation, including gingival ulcers, erosions, and changes in the periodontal tissue [35]. By implementing a gingival barrier, and carefully isolating the soft tissues, this risk can be significantly reduced, ensuring a safer and more comfortable bleaching procedure for the patient [25; 36]. Application of antioxidant gels (i.e., those containing Vitamin E) or neutralizing agents (sodium bicarbonate) has been proposed for an immediate alleviation of these symptoms [36]. Further concerns arise regarding potential side effects on dental hard tissue. The main alterations observed in enamel during the bleaching process include modifications in morphology, surface porosity, and roughness, alterations in organic content, and a decrease in microhardness [37]. These adverse effects are dependent on the composition of the bleaching gels, the concentration of peroxide, pH value, bleaching technique protocols, and the length of application. Scientific evidence is controversial, typically reporting mild-to-moderate changes where the majority of the studies are conducted in vitro [38; 39], The presence of saliva and fluoride in the oral cavity plays a significant role on remineralization [40]. Thus, in situ studies reveal minimal enamel alterations in view of saliva's beneficial role in the remineralization process [41; 42]. Implementing shorter contact times and less acidic gels in bleaching protocols can effectively reduce potential side effects on tooth structure [43]. Moreover, there is a concern regarding the possibility of systemic exposure to HP and its by-products [25]. Inherent defense mechanisms at the cellular and tissue levels offer protection against potential damage caused by HP during oxidative reactions, and also facilitate the repair of any resulting damage [28]. These defense mechanisms rely on the action of enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase, which are naturally present in saliva, tissues, and organs [25; 28]. By promoting the conversion of HP into water and oxygen, these enzymes help maintain a balance of ROS within the human body [25]. This balance is essential for cellular and tissue health, since excessive levels of ROS may lead to oxidative stress, and cell and tissue damage arising therefrom [25]. Nevertheless, a systemic exposure during in-office bleaching with reduced contact times and proper isolation techniques is rather insignificant [25]. The potential advantages of laser activation of bleaching materials have not been widely embraced by the scientific community, even though numerous studies have been performed over many years [11; 12; 44; 45; 46]. Acceleration of the bleaching procedure, shortening of the gel-tissue interaction time, and a more efficient and targeted production of ROS, along with reductions in side effects, are some of the possible benefits declared [1; 47]. There is inconsistency of study findings which can be attributed to the diverse study designs, variations in whitening materials utilized, and the usage of differential activating lights [40]. With regard to laser-activated bleaching, it should be noted that, even with the use of similar devices, there can be discrepancies in parameter selection and power output, which further contribute to the inconsistencies observed [48].