[Effects of the CO2 laser on mandibular bone. Preliminary study]

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Laser Physics

Context:

• Investigating the interaction between carbon dioxide (CO2) laser energy and human bone tissue.
• Utilizing human mandibles from cadavers to simulate in vivo conditions.
• Exploring variations in laser parameters such as power, duration, and intermittent shooting intervals.

Purpose:

• To determine the precise effects of CO2 laser parameters on bone penetration depth and surface characteristics.
• To analyze how varying laser power, shot duration, and latent periods influence bone ablation.
• To discuss the potential clinical applications of these findings in surgical procedures.

Summary:

• CO2 laser penetration depth in human mandible bone increases proportionally with power up to 25 watts.
• At power levels exceeding 25 watts, CO2 laser penetration becomes less deep but more widespread.
• Shot duration does not significantly alter bone penetration depth at a given laser intensity.

Impact:

• Provides crucial data for optimizing CO2 laser settings in dental and maxillofacial surgery.
• Informs the development of safer and more effective laser-assisted bone surgical techniques.
• Contributes to a better understanding of laser-tissue interactions for bone ablation.