While lasers have been used in the dental health industry since 1994, the American Dental Association (ADA) has yet to give the treatment its Seal of Acceptance. Regardless, laser dentistry is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to conventional dental treatment for a number of different issues. Tooth decay, or caries, can be removed using a laser, which also prepares the surrounding enamel for the filling material. Lasers can also be used to perform a biopsy, or the removal of a small piece of tissue to check for the presence of cancerous cells. Lasers cauterize tissue as they exercise, improving overall healing time and reducing the risk of infection. Gum disease can be treated with lasers to remove harmful bacteria and to reshape gum tissue, and can remove canker sores or lesions in the mouth. Cosmetic dentistry also uses lasers for teeth whitening to speed up the process of lightening teeth with a peroxide solution.