All Tissues Dental Laser Er:YAG laser- Review Article
Journal Title: Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research (BJSTR) - Year 2017, Vol 1, Issue 1
Abstract
The breakthrough for dental laser systems came in the mid 1990’s. Among the various laser types with corresponding wavelengths, Er:YAG laser systems quickly began establishing themselves as compact and versatile additions to the dentist’s repertoire, predominantly for performing hard tissue applications. Research has shown that their wavelengths are ideally suited for both soft and hard tissue procedures due to their high absorption in water and hydroxyl apatite. Therefore Er YAG laser is considered one of the most versatile with regard to the number of possible treatment options, as their wavelength can be effectively used in the field of soft and hard tissue surgery, periodontics, endodontics, implantology, cavity preparation, and tooth whitening. The versatility of the instrument, combined with the latest achievements in Er YAG laser technology, compact design and affordability, should appeal to dental professionals seeking to optimize the procedures they currently perform and expand the number of services they offer. Lasers have become extremely important either as an adjunct tool or a treatment devices in dental field. They have a variety of applications both in soft and hard dental tissue treatments. It is therefore crucial for the clinician to have an understanding of laser basics. In 1956, Thomas Maiman exposed an extracted natural tooth to his prototype Ruby (694 nm) laser; the nature of the wavelength and target chromophore, together with the laser power resulted in charring of the hard tissue element and transmission of laser energy to the tooth pulp [1]. Following the early clinical experiences of Goldman and others such as Polanyi and Jako in the 1960s, the development of Argon, Neodymium (Nd) YAG and Carbon Dioxide lasers in general areas of surgery led to a gradual introduction of these wavelengths in surgical procedures in the mouth. These early lasers have continuous-wave emission mode, which gave rise to potential for conductive heat damage. This was addressed by the introduction of pulsed-emission lasers, which allowed selective destruction of abnormal or diseased tissue, while leaving surrounding normal tissue undisturbed. The first lasers to fully exploit this principal of ‘selective thermolysis’ were the pulsed dye lasers introduced in the late 1980s. The possibilities for laser use in dentistry did not occur until 1989, with the production of the American Dental Laser for commercial use. This laser, using an active medium of Nd: YAG [2]. The great advance for dental lasers came in the mid 1990s, with various laser types (Diode laser, Nd: YAG, Er, Cr: YSGG, Er: YAG, CO2) with corresponding wavelengths (810-890 nm, 1064 nm, 2780 nm, 2940 nm, 10600 nm) becoming available to the dentists to address their needs for hard and soft tissue procedures. Soft tissue lasers [near infra red (NIR)] are characterized by a high absorption in chromophores (hemoglobin and melanin) found in soft tissue, resulting in excellent soft tissue incision, ablation and coagulation performance as well as antimicrobial effectiveness, due to relatively deep highly localized tissue heating. Hard tissue lasers [Far infra red (FIR)] (Figure 1) are highly absorbed in (carbonated) hydroxyapatite and water chromophores and are thus able to finely ablate hard tissues without heating of the surrounding tissue (Figures 1 & 2) [3].
Authors and Affiliations
Nagy Abdulsamee
Keywords
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- EP ID EP566572
- DOI 10.26717/BJSTR.2017.01.000104
- Views 275
- Downloads 0
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