Related Experiment Videos
Lasers in dentistry: new possibilities with advancing laser technology?
1Poliklinik für Zahnenhaltung und Parodontologie der Universitätsklinik, Bonn, FRG.
International Dental Journal
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Laser dentistry is currently limited, primarily using heat-producing lasers for specific oral surgery and prosthetics. Further research is needed for non-thermal laser applications to replace conventional dental treatments.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Biomedical Engineering
- Laser Physics
Background:
- Laser technology is increasingly discussed in dental literature.
- Current applications are specialized, often relying on thermal effects.
- Existing uses include soft tissue surgery and dental prosthetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the current applications of laser technology in dentistry.
- To explore the potential of novel non-thermal laser interactions.
- To assess the future prospects of lasers in replacing conventional dental procedures.
Main Methods:
- Critical review of published papers on laser treatment in dentistry.
- Analysis of thermal and non-thermal laser-tissue interactions.
- Evaluation of current and emerging dental laser applications.
Main Results:
- Laser use in dentistry is currently restricted to specialists and a narrow therapeutic range.
- Most dental lasers function as heat-producing devices for cutting, coagulation, or welding.
- Emerging non-thermal laser interactions (photoablation, photodisruption, photochemical effects) are under investigation.
Conclusions:
- Significant development is required for advanced laser applications in dentistry.
- Lasers are unlikely to replace conventional methods for oral cancer treatment or caries excavation in the near future.
- Further research into non-thermal laser effects holds promise for future dental applications.