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[High-frequency dental surgery near metal reconstructions]
H Visser1, R Mausberg, K Fastenmeier
1Abteilung Parodontologie, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen.
Schweizer Monatsschrift Fur Zahnmedizin = Revue Mensuelle Suisse D'Odonto-Stomatologie = Rivista Mensile Svizzera Di Odontologia E Stomatologia
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Dental electrosurgery can damage metallic fillings. This study found that some electrosurgical units deliver high power output upon contact with amalgam fillings, risking damage. Dynamic power control is recommended for safer dental electrosurgery.
Area of Science:
- Oral surgery
- Biomedical engineering
- Materials science
Context:
- Dental electrosurgery involves using electrical current to cut or coagulate tissue.
- Metallic restorations, such as amalgam fillings, are common in dental procedures.
- Incidental contact between the electrosurgical electrode and metallic restorations can occur, posing a risk.
Purpose:
- To measure and describe the physical phenomena during dental electrosurgery when the active electrode contacts metallic restorations under realistic conditions.
- To evaluate the performance of different electrosurgical units in terms of power output and impedance during contact with amalgam fillings.
Summary:
- This study performed on-line measurements of voltage, current, impedance, and power output during dental electrosurgery adjacent to amalgam fillings in pig jaws.
- Impedances of amalgam fillings varied, with half falling within 0.5 to 1.5 kΩ.
- One electrosurgical unit exhibited high power output (up to 50 W) upon contact with low-impedance fillings, while two others with different control systems prevented this.
Impact:
- Highlights the risk of high power output during dental electrosurgery when contacting metallic restorations.
- Suggests that electrosurgical units with dynamic power output control are necessary to prevent damage to metallic restorations.
- Recommends improvements in dental electrosurgery technology for enhanced patient safety and preservation of dental work.