Response of the American Dental Association to Hard Tissue Laser
as published in "Dental Products Report" 6/1/97

"While the ADA views this development as promising, neither the company nor the FDA has provided the Association with the laboratory and clinical studies on which this decision was based. Therefore, the Association cannot attest to the safety and effectiveness of this laser application at this time. Some of the concerns that the Association has raised in the past regarding the use of lasers in hard tissue include:

1) Safety to hard tissue, particularly pulpal (nerve) tissue, based on the rapid temperature rise at the site where the laser strikes the tooth;

2) Cracking of the tooth cased by shock waves that move through the tooth following exposure; and

3) Performance of the laser system in comparison to the high speed handpiece (drill).

After the association has reviewed studies demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of lasers for hard tissues, a comprehensive statement will be published."