What mode is associated with Nd:YAG lasers?

Nd:YAG lasers, which stand for Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet lasers, are often utilized in various periodontal procedures due to their effective capacity for soft and hard tissue applications. The mode commonly associated with Nd:YAG lasers is the free running pulsed mode.

In the free running pulsed mode, the laser emits energy in short, high-intensity bursts rather than a continuous beam. This pulsing allows for controlled energy delivery, which is beneficial for minimizing thermal injury to surrounding tissues while effectively targeting the specific area being treated. The bursts of energy can penetrate tissues effectively, making this mode advantageous in periodontal treatments, such as soft tissue surgeries or decontaminating root surfaces.

The continuous wave mode lacks the pulsed nature, which means it delivers a steady stream of energy that can lead to overheating and potentially damaging surrounding tissues. Similarly, super pulsed mode, while offering pulses of energy, operates differently than the standard free running design, generally focusing on specific applications that may not be directly associated with traditional periodontal applications. Lastly, fixed mode does not pertain to laser operation as recognized in the context of laser therapies. Understanding the application and functional mode of lasers in the periodontal field helps clinicians choose the appropriate technology for patient