Selective ablation of sub- and supragingival calculus with a frequency-doubled Alexandrite laser

Peter Rechmann D.D.S.; Thomas Hennig

doi:10.1117/12.207443

1 May 1995 Selective ablation of sub- and supragingival calculus with a frequency-doubled Alexandrite laser

Peter Rechmann D.D.S., Thomas Hennig

Proceedings Volume 2394, Lasers in Dentistry; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.207443
Event: Photonics West '95, 1995, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

In a preceding trial the absorption characteristics of subgingival calculus were calculated using fluorescence emission spectroscopy (excitation laser: N₂-laser, wavelength 337 nm, pulse duration 4 ns). Subgingival calculus seems to contain chromophores absorbing in the ultraviolet spectral region up to 420 nm. The aim of the actual study was the ablation of sub- and supragingival calculus using a frequency doubled Alexandrite-laser (wavelength 377 nm, pulse duration 100 ns, repetition rate 110 Hz). Extracted human teeth presenting sub- and supragingival calculus were irradiated perpendicular to their axis with a laser fluence of 1 Jcm^-2. Using a standard application protocol calculus was irradiated at the enamel surface, at the junction between enamel and root, and at the root surface (located on dentin or on cementum). During the irradiation procedure an effective water cooling-system was engaged. For light microscopical investigations undecalcified histological sections were prepared after treatment. The histological sections revealed that a selective and total removal of calculus is possible at all locations without ablation of healthy enamel, dentin or cementum. Even low fluences provide us with a high effectiveness for the ablation of calculus. Thus, based on different absorption characteristics and ablation thresholds, engaging a frequency doubled Alexandrite-laser a fast and, even more, a selective ablation of sub- and supragingival calculus is possible without adverse side effects to the surrounding tissues. Even more, microbial dental plaque can be perfectly removed.

Citation Download Citation

Peter Rechmann D.D.S. and Thomas Hennig "Selective ablation of sub- and supragingival calculus with a frequency-doubled Alexandrite laser", Proc. SPIE 2394, Lasers in Dentistry, (1 May 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.207443

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