Dental Lasers on Sale

Premier Laser Systems Inc. of Irvine said Tuesday it will slash the price of dental lasers used for treating tooth decay by more than 40% in order to clear out excess inventory.

The company’s FDA-approved Centauri lasers will be reduced to $24,950 from its current list price of $44,950. The new price will last until current inventory, the size of which was not disclosed, is sold.

Premier’s stock had slumped and then was suspended earlier this year after the company became embroiled in a dispute with a key distributor. It had to restate two years worth of earnings and was hit with the resignation of its outside auditor.

But the company also faced a challenge in persuading dentists to use the laser, which is far more expensive than a traditional drill, analysts said.

Premier shares fell 16 cents, to $2.03, in Tuesday trading.