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Excimer lasers in dentistry: future possibilities with advanced technology.
M Frentzen1, H J Koort, I Thiensiri
1University Dental Clinic Bonn, Germany.
Quintessence International (Berlin, Germany : 1985)
|February 1, 1992
Summary
Excimer lasers offer a nonthermal alternative for dental procedures, unlike traditional lasers that cause thermal damage. This innovation may lead to new applications in dentistry, such as caries removal and surface cleaning.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Dental Science
- Laser Physics
Background:
- High-powered infrared lasers (CO2, Nd:YAG) cause significant thermal damage in dental tissues.
- Charring and carbonization limit the clinical use of traditional lasers in soft tissues and bone.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of excimer lasers for dental tissue treatment.
- To evaluate excimer laser photoablation as a nonthermal alternative to traditional dental practices.
Main Methods:
- Utilized pulsed, ultraviolet radiation from excimer lasers.
- Investigated the photoablation process for dental tissue applications.
Main Results:
- Excimer lasers demonstrated limited thermal, denaturative damage to surrounding tissues.
- Observed small zones of necrosis with no residual debris.
Conclusions:
- Excimer laser photoablation presents a nonthermal alternative for dental tissue treatment.
- Potential applications include selective caries removal, tooth surface conditioning, and root surface cleaning.