periodontal splinting is a dental technique that stabilizes teeth that have become loose (mobile) by joining them to neighboring teeth. It is most commonly used when gum (periodontal) disease, trauma, or bite forces reduce tooth support. The goal is to make teeth function more comfortably by distributing forces across a group of teeth. Splints may be temporary or longer-term, depending on the clinical situation and materials used.

melanin depigmentation is a dental soft-tissue procedure that reduces dark brown or black areas on the gums caused by melanin pigment. It is most commonly used for cosmetic reasons when gum pigmentation is visible in the smile. It may be performed on the attached gingiva (the firm gum around teeth) and sometimes nearby oral tissues. Results and recurrence risk can vary by clinician and case.

gingival depigmentation is a dental procedure that reduces or removes dark pigment on the gums. It is usually done for cosmetic reasons when gum color is visible during smiling or speaking. It targets surface pigmentation rather than tooth structure. It is most often performed in periodontal (gum) and esthetic dentistry settings.

A diode laser is a dental laser device that produces a focused beam of light from a semiconductor. In dentistry, it is most commonly used on soft tissues such as gums (gingiva) and oral mucosa. Clinicians may use it to cut, contour, or disinfect tissues with controlled energy. It is also used as an adjunct tool during restorative, periodontal, and implant-related care.

An Er:YAG laser is a dental laser that emits light at a wavelength strongly absorbed by water and hydroxyapatite (a main mineral in teeth). It is used in dentistry for certain hard-tissue (tooth) and soft-tissue (gum) procedures. In practice, it may help dentists remove tooth structure or adjust tissues with controlled, focused energy. It is commonly discussed in the context of minimally invasive dentistry and laser-assisted restorative care.

PDT is a term some dental teams use to describe a **direct, tooth-colored restoration** placed chairside and **light-cured**. It typically refers to an **adhesive (bonded) resin material** used to fill, seal, or repair tooth structure. In everyday language, PDT is often thought of as a “white filling” or a small bonded repair. Naming and exact meaning can **vary by clinician and region**, so PDT may be used as shorthand in clinical notes rather than a universal label.

photodynamic therapy is a light-activated treatment that uses a dye-like compound and a specific light to create a short-lived antimicrobial or tissue-targeting effect. In dentistry, it is most commonly used as an add-on (adjunct) to reduce microbes in areas that are hard to clean mechanically. It is used in settings such as gum (periodontal) care, around implants, and sometimes inside root canals. Outside dentistry, it is also used in some medical fields to target certain skin conditions and abnormal tissues.

laser therapy (perio) is the use of dental lasers to treat gum (periodontal) tissues and periodontal pockets. It delivers focused light energy to target bacteria, inflamed tissue, or to support healing, depending on the laser type and settings. It is commonly used alongside standard periodontal care such as scaling and root planing. It may be used in non-surgical periodontal therapy, selected surgical steps, and supportive maintenance visits.

air abrasive decontamination is a method of cleaning tooth or dental surfaces using a controlled stream of air mixed with fine abrasive powder. In plain terms, it “sandblasts” away debris, stains, or contaminated surface layers in a targeted way. It is commonly used in preventive care (biofilm removal) and in restorative dentistry (surface cleaning before bonding). It may also be used to help clean certain dental materials or hard-to-reach areas, depending on the clinician and case.

implant decontamination is the process of cleaning a dental implant surface to reduce harmful buildup such as plaque biofilm and debris. It is commonly used when the tissues around an implant show inflammation, infection risk, or signs of disease. It can be performed during routine maintenance visits or as part of treatment for peri-implant problems. The goal is to improve the implant environment so the surrounding gum and bone can stay healthier.