In the same way that new, more advanced surgical procedures such as implant placement and sinus augmentation have allowed periodontal surgeons to restore the dental health of patients who, until now, have been destined for a lifetime of complete dentures, the laser has provided dentists with the instrument needed to produce an essentially bloodless and bacteria-free surgical field, allowing for deeper surgical procedures within the oro-nasal cavity. The article is meant to help dentists determine which lasers are suitable for various periodontal procedures.