Selective ablation of dental calculus with a frequency-doubled Alexandrite laser

Peter Rechmann D.D.S.; Thomas Hennig

doi:10.1117/12.230326

19 January 1996 Selective ablation of dental calculus with a frequency-doubled Alexandrite laser

Peter Rechmann D.D.S., Thomas Hennig

Proceedings Volume 2623, Medical Applications of Lasers III; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.230326
Event: BiOS Europe '95, 1995, Barcelona, Spain

Abstract

The aim of the study was the selective removal of dental calculus by means of pulsed lasers. In a first approach the optical 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 absorb highly in the ultraviolet spectral region up to 420 nm. According to these measurements a frequency doubled Alexandrite-laser (wavelength 377 nm, pulse duration 100 ns, repetition rate 110 Hz) was used to irradiate calculus located on enamel, at the cementum enamel junction and on the root surface (located on dentin or on cementum). Irradiation was performed perpendicular to the root surface with a laser fluence of 1 Jcm^-2. During the irradiation procedure an effective water cooling-system was engaged. Histological investigations were done on undecalcified sections. As a result, engaging low fluences allows a fast and strictly selective removal of subgingival calculus. Even more the investigations revealed that supragingival calculus can be removed in a strictly selective manner engaging a frequency doubled Alexandrite-laser. No adverse side effects to the surrounding tissues could be found.

Citation Download Citation

Peter Rechmann D.D.S. and Thomas Hennig "Selective ablation of dental calculus with a frequency-doubled Alexandrite laser", Proc. SPIE 2623, Medical Applications of Lasers III, (19 January 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.230326

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available