Lasers have many applications in operative dentistry including caries detection, cavity preparation, prevention of dental caries, bleaching, and photopolymerization of composite resin. Different types of lasers like Er:YAG, CO2, and diode lasers can be used safely for hard and soft tissue procedures with benefits like minimal damage, hemostasis, reduced post-operative pain and inflammation, and sterilization of wounds. While lasers provide advantages, training is required for their safe use and they can be costly to obtain.