In more advanced dental lasers, the mirrors have been replaced with a hollow aluminum tube that reflects the photons. These lasers are less bulky, and are popular in the dental field.

Lasers are much more expensive than scalpels, so you may find that only a few dentists in your area have them. However, they are becoming more popular. Procedures done with a laser generally cost the same as traditional procedures done with a scalpel.

"The CO² laser cauterizes tissue as it cuts so that there is little or no bleeding," Dr. Eisig says. "The power of the laser can be adjusted by changing the wattage, or energy, and can be a continuous pulse or intermittent pulse."

Lasers aren't painless, so you'll probably still need an anesthetic. However, for some procedures you may only need a topical anesthetic (a gel or cream), rather than an injected local anesthetic.

Biopsy — Lasers often are used to remove tissue that might be cancerous so that it can be examined under a microscope. A laser causes less bleeding than a scalpel because it sears the blood vessels shut as it cuts through tissue. Stitches often aren't necessary for a laser biopsy because the area heals on its own. The laser also will sear nerve endings, reducing pain after the procedure.

Removal of lesions (ablation) — Lasers can remove lesions, such as leukoplakia, by destroying thin layers of surface cells.

Frenectomy — A frenum is a fold of tissue found between the upper two front teeth, under the tongue, and on the sides of the gums. In some people, the frenum is too large and can interfere with speech or tooth eruption. In a frenectomy, this fold of tissue is cut. A laser frenectomy produces less bleeding than the same procedure done with a scalpel.

Uncovering impacted teeth — Impacted teeth are trapped in the jawbone, usually by other teeth or the bone itself. If an impacted tooth needs to be removed, a laser can cut the gum to expose the tooth. Again, the advantage of using a laser instead of a scalpel is the lack of bleeding. In this case, that makes it easier to bond an orthodontic bracket to the teeth because the area needs to be dry for the bracket to adhere.

Gingivectomy — Some people have severe gum overgrowth caused by certain medications. A gingivectomy removes the overgrown tissue. Using a laser to remove the tissue prevents bleeding, and also allows the surgeon to sculpt the gum tissue around the teeth so it looks natural.

Exposing dental implants — Dental implants are screwed into the jaw to replace missing teeth. Usually, the gum tissue is placed over the implant while it heals, and then removed later using a scalpel. Using a laser instead speeds healing and allows crowns, a bridge or denture to be placed on the implants almost right away.

Snoring treatment — Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) is used to shorten the uvula (the dangling bulb of tissue that hangs down in the back of your throat), which is sometimes the cause of snoring.

Treatment for cold sores (aphthous ulcers) — In people with painful cold sores, a laser can be used to sear the nerve endings and relieve the pain. This procedure is usually done with a topical anesthetic. Using the laser doesn't make the sores heal faster, but it does relieve pain.

The laser itself is activated with a key that is stored separately from the laser. Your dentist then uses a covered foot pedal to turn the laser on and off. This prevents someone from accidentally turning on the laser. Other safety issues include:

These risks, except for the risk of damage to nearby tissue, also are found to some extent in surgeries done with scalpels.

All in all, laser surgery is effective and safe, and becoming more popular with both children and adults.

"I am continually amazed at the number of requests I receive for laser surgery," Dr. Eisig says. "Patients think they can be used for everything."