What Is a Soft Tissue Laser?
A soft tissue laser is a dental instrument that uses a focused beam of light to cut, vaporize, or treat gum and other oral soft tissues. Specialists use it as an alternative or complement to a traditional scalpel.
The word "laser" stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. In dentistry, soft tissue lasers target water and pigment in the gums, lips, cheeks, and tongue. They do not cut bone or tooth structure, which is the role of hard tissue lasers.[7]
These devices have been used in dental practices for decades. Pediatric dentists, periodontists, oral surgeons, and orthodontists may use them for procedures that once required a blade or electrosurgery unit. Research continues to explore where lasers offer real advantages and where conventional tools still perform as well or better.[3][8]
How Soft Tissue Lasers Work
Soft tissue lasers work by delivering light energy at a specific wavelength that is absorbed by water and pigment in the tissue, which heats and vaporizes cells in a controlled way. This action cuts tissue and can seal small blood vessels at the same time.[3]
Different lasers use different wavelengths, and the wavelength affects how the light interacts with tissue. A specialist chooses the laser based on the procedure, the depth of cut needed, and the type of tissue involved.[7]
Common Soft Tissue Laser Types
Diode lasers are the most common in general and pediatric dental offices because they are compact and well-suited to gum work. Nd:YAG lasers penetrate deeper and are used for periodontal procedures. Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers can work on both soft tissue and tooth structure. CO2 lasers are often used for larger soft tissue surgeries and lesion removal.[5][7]
- Diode (typically 810 to 980 nm): gum reshaping, frenectomies, small biopsies
- Nd:YAG (1064 nm): deeper periodontal pocket therapy
- Er:YAG / Er,Cr:YSGG (2780 to 2940 nm): soft and hard tissue applications
- CO2 (9300 to 10600 nm): larger soft tissue excisions and lesion removal[5]
What Treatment Feels Like
Most soft tissue laser procedures use topical or local anesthesia. Patients often report less bleeding and pressure than with a scalpel, and many describe a warm sensation rather than a sharp cutting feeling. Pediatric studies suggest laser procedures can reduce postoperative discomfort in some cases compared with conventional surgery, though results depend on the procedure and device.[2][3]
What Soft Tissue Lasers Are Used For
Soft tissue lasers are used for a wide range of gum and oral tissue procedures, including frenectomies, gum reshaping, lesion removal, and adjunctive periodontal therapy. Pediatric specialists use them for many of these same indications in children.
Pediatric Applications
In children, soft tissue lasers are often used for tongue-tie or lip-tie release, removal of mucoceles and small lesions, exposure of unerupted teeth, and treatment of canker sores. A 2024 review of pediatric oral soft tissue laser treatment described favorable healing, reduced need for sutures, and patient acceptance, though the authors noted the need for more standardized protocols.[3]
A 2025 systematic review also looked at photobiomodulation, a low-level light therapy delivered with similar laser devices, to speed reversal of soft tissue numbness and prevent self-inflicted lip and cheek bites in children after dental anesthesia.[1] For more on pediatric specialty care, see the pediatric-dentistry page.
Periodontal and Orthodontic Applications
Periodontists may use lasers as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in periodontitis care. Orthodontic teams sometimes use lasers to expose impacted teeth or reshape gums during treatment.
A 2022 randomized study comparing a surgical laser to a scalpel for adjunctive periodontal procedures in orthodontic patients found similar clinical outcomes with both approaches, suggesting laser use is a reasonable option but not always clinically superior to a scalpel.[8]
Gummy Smile and Frenectomy
Laser-assisted gingivectomy is one option for treating a "gummy smile," where excess gum tissue makes teeth look short. A 2022 review described laser gingivectomy as a useful technique with predictable contouring and good patient acceptance, though long-term aesthetic outcomes depend on accurate diagnosis of the cause.[6]
For frenectomy, a 2025 randomized controlled trial of 40 patients comparing diode laser to conventional scalpel for maxillary labial frenectomy found similar healing at six months. The laser group reported less pain in the early days after surgery, but the study found no significant differences in bleeding, operation time, or frenulum morphology between the two techniques.[2]
Evidence and Effectiveness
Soft tissue dental lasers are supported by a growing body of research, and many devices hold FDA clearance for specific oral procedures. FDA clearance (a 510(k) pathway) means the device is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed predicate device. It is not the same as FDA approval through the premarket approval (PMA) pathway, which involves stricter review and is more common for new drugs and high-risk devices.
A 2023 systematic review of high-power laser use on oral soft tissue lesions analyzed histological outcomes and found that proper technique and settings are important to avoid thermal damage to tissue margins, which can affect biopsy interpretation.[4]
A 2023 systematic review of CO2 lasers in minor oral surgery concluded that CO2 lasers can be effective for procedures such as lesion excision and frenectomy, with generally good healing and patient comfort, though included studies varied in design and size.[5]
A 2022 literature review compared diode lasers with light-emitting diode phototherapy across soft and hard tissue procedures and found both have legitimate roles, with the choice depending on the clinical goal.[7]
Benefits and Limitations
Soft tissue lasers offer real benefits for many procedures, but they are not always the best tool for every case. A balanced view helps patients choose providers and treatments that fit their needs.
Potential Benefits
Reported benefits in the published literature include reduced bleeding during many soft tissue procedures, less need for sutures, and lower postoperative pain in some pediatric and frenectomy cases. Lasers can also reduce the need for a separate cautery step because they can cut and coagulate at the same time. Findings vary by procedure: some randomized studies, including a 2025 RCT on labial frenectomy, found no significant difference in bleeding between laser and scalpel.[2][3]
Limitations and Considerations
Soft tissue lasers cost more than scalpels, and the operator needs specific training to use them safely and effectively. Some studies show similar outcomes between laser and scalpel approaches, meaning the choice often comes down to clinician preference, available equipment, and the specific case rather than clear superiority of one tool.[8]
Heat from a laser can also affect tissue at the cut margin, which matters when a sample is being sent for biopsy and an unaltered specimen edge is needed for diagnosis. Specialists weigh these factors when selecting their tool.[4]
Cost and Availability
Soft tissue laser procedures typically range from about $200 for a simple frenectomy or small lesion removal to $1,500 or more for complex gum contouring, though costs vary by location, provider, and case complexity. Pediatric procedures sometimes cost more when sedation or behavior support is needed.
Insurance coverage is procedure-driven, not laser-driven. If a frenectomy is medically necessary, many plans cover it whether the provider uses a laser or a scalpel. Cosmetic gum contouring is usually out of pocket. Ask the office to verify coverage and code the procedure correctly before treatment.
Not every dental office owns a soft tissue laser. Pediatric dentists, periodontists, and oral surgeons are more likely than general dentists to have one. You can search MSD's specialist directory for providers in your area and ask about their equipment when you call.
Choosing a Specialist for Laser Treatment
When considering laser treatment, ask the specialist about their training, the specific device they use, and what alternatives are available for your case. The right answers help you make an informed decision and set realistic expectations.
- What type of soft tissue laser do you use, and why is that one suited to my procedure?
- How many of these procedures have you performed with a laser?
- What training or certification do you hold for laser dentistry?
- Would a scalpel produce similar results in my case, and what are the trade-offs?
- What does recovery typically look like, and what is the expected cost?
- For pediatric care: how do you keep my child comfortable during the procedure?[3][11]
Find a Specialist
If you are exploring soft tissue laser treatment for yourself or your child, browse credentialed providers in MSD's directory. Visit the pediatric-dentistry page to find specialists in your area, compare backgrounds, and ask the right questions before booking.
Search Pediatric Dentists in Your Area