Ablation of dental hard tissue is an indication for which type of laser?

The Er:YAG laser is specifically effective for the ablation of dental hard tissue due to its ability to produce wavelengths that are highly absorbed by water, which is abundant in dental tissues. This characteristic allows the Er:YAG laser to effectively remove enamel and dentin while minimally affecting the surrounding tissues. The controlled removal of hard tissue is crucial in dental procedures, particularly for caries removal and cavity preparation, where precision is paramount to avoid damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.

In contrast, other laser types such as Nd:YAG and CO2 lasers are more suitable for other applications, such as soft tissue surgeries or specific treatments, but they are not as effective for hard tissue ablation. Diode lasers are primarily used for soft tissue procedures and are not designed for the removal of hard dental tissues. The Er:YAG's unique properties make it the preferred choice for procedures requiring the ablation of dental hard tissues.