Melman, GeoffreyKaric, VesnaMulder, Riaan2017-04-032017-04-032017Melman, G. et al. (2017). Lasers in periodontics. Sout African Dental Journal, 72(2): 83.1029-4864http://hdl.handle.net/10566/2718Ablation has been described as the expansive vaporisation of tissue. In periodontal procedures the ablation capacity of the laser can be used for excision and incision of pathology. The Erbium doped lasers can be used effectively for soft tissue procedures with or without water. It is essential that the air supply is turned off when soft tissue procedures or any procedure with a flap is performed, to prevent subcutaneous emphysema. Hard tissue lasers are effective in bone ablation provided that the water is present preventing collagen denaturation and necrosis of the targeted tissue.enThis file may be freely used for educational uses. No commercial reproduction or distribution of this file is permitted without written permission of the South African Dental Association (SADA). Note that the SADA retains all intellectual property rights in the article.PeriodonticsAblationLasersVaporisationDental lasersArticle