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Lasers in Dentistry |
Lasers serve as adjuncts for some treatments (by saving time and enhancing outcomes). However, they also have replaced conventional therapies through superior outcomes. In fact, in many cases they have offered new treatment options that were previously not available.
Dental lasers emit energy beams of unique wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum. Most lasers available have beam emissions in the infrared portion, also known as thermal non-ionizing. However, there are two lasers that operate in the visible spectrum. The first, the helium-neon (HeNe) laser, is primarily used as a red aiming beam in conjunction with other lasers. The second, the argon laser, has a wavelength emission in the blue-green range. |
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Characteristics of Commonly Used Wavelengths
- Argon - Argon lasers (wavelengths of 488nm and 514nm) are absorbed by pigments, such as melanin and hemoglobin, in the tissues. Its first absorption peak of 488nm is the same as that used to polymerization dental resin. In fact, curing times using an argon laser are dramatically reduced; the physical properties of the resin are also enhanced. Excellent hemostasis is also achieved with the argon laser.
- CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) - The CO2 laser (wavelength 10.6µm or 10,600nm) This wavelength is used for rapid surgical procedures - cavity preparations and tooth surface hardening for caries resistance.
- Diode - Diode lasers (wavelengths of 820 and 830nm) are absorbed into pigmented tissues.
- Er:YAG (Erbium: Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) - Er:YAG lasers (wavelength 2940nm) are highly absorbed by both water and hydroxyapatite (the main component of enamel). These lasers are often used in cavity preparation, caries removal, and hardening of the enamel or dentin surface for caries resistance. It is also valuable for use in soft tissue surgery.
- Ho:YAG (Holmium: Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) - The Ho:YAG
laser (wavelength 2120nm) has as its primary action absorption into
water. Blanched tissues and cartilaginous or fibrotic sites respond readily.
- .Nd:YAG (Neodymium: Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) - Nd:YAG lasers (wavelength 1064nm) are probably the most commonly used wavelength in dentistry. They can be set to delivers energy in extremely short bursts, allowing the tissue to relax thermally. This feature is much more comfortable to the patient.
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Benefits
Postoperative discomfort is minimized. This is one of the main advantages over conventional dissecting types of surgical procedures. The majority of patients experience very little, if any, postoperative swelling and the reduced need for pain medication.
Fiber optics allow for increased surgical precision.
Use results in the elimination of microorganisms from the surgical site; the absence of postoperative complications resulting from infections is a further advantage. Lasers have been particularly useful for these reasons in the treatment of root canals and pulpotomies; they have also been successful in the treatment of periodontal disease.
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Note: It is important to note that
before beginning any course of treatment you should see your
dentist. Please note that without the benefit of a full dental
examination, including a review of medical history, dental x-rays,
and diagnostic aids, no attempt can be made to provide specific
diagnosis or recommended courses of treatment. However, we will be
happy to update our site to include topics you feel deserve
mention. contact us
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