Abstract
For many intraoral soft-tissue surgical procedures the laser has become a desirable and dependable alternative to traditional scalpel surgery. Lasers easily ablate and reshape oral soft tissues. In addition, lasers increase haemostasis through heat-induced coagulation and occlusion of arterioles, venules, and capillaries. The resulting haemostasis allows for a clear and fully visible surgical field. Because of the intense heat, lasers also have the advantage of a bactericidal effect at the target site. Studies have reported that laser surgery, compared with traditional scalpel surgery, is less painful, features less swelling, and heals faster with less wound contraction.
A pool of research articles is available on the potential use, merits and demerits of laser therapy in dentistry. A humble effort has been made in this review to describe the current status of application of lasers in oral soft tissue surgeries.

Key words: Lasers, Laser applications, Laser merits and demerits, Laser hazards, Laser safety.