A bacteria removal laser is provided, especially for removing caries bacteriafromnatural or prosthetic teeth, the prosthetic teeth also being treated viaextraoralapproach, comprising a gripping handle, a laser radiation source, anapplication opticshaving a predetermined radiation exit surface, especially a radiation guiderod throughwhich laser radiation passes, and an energy source such as a mains connectionor anaccumulator. The laser emits in the wavelength range between 2200 nm and 4000nmand is especially designed as an Er:YAG laser. The energy output averaged overtimeis less than 1 mJ/mm2 at the radiation exit surface.
