Measurement of efficiency in calculus removal with a frequency-doubled Alexandrite laser on pigs' jaws

Christian G. Pilgrim; Peter Rechmann D.D.S.; Dan S. Goldin; Thomas Hennig

doi:10.1117/12.380850

24 March 2000 Measurement of efficiency in calculus removal with a frequency-doubled Alexandrite laser on pigs' jaws

Christian G. Pilgrim, Peter Rechmann D.D.S., Dan S. Goldin, Thomas Hennig

Proceedings Volume 3910, Lasers in Dentistry VI; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.380850
Event: BiOS 2000 The International Symposium on Biomedical Optics, 2000, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Periodontal therapy aims in a most sufficient cleaning of tooth surfaces from supra- and subgingival calculus. As a standard dental procedure teeth are treated with ultrasonic devices. The competence of the frequency doubled Alexandrite laser for a highly effective and selective removal of calculus has been repeatedly proved. Aim of the study presented here was to determine the efficiency at simulated clinical conditions of the frequency doubled Alexandrite laser (laboratory prototype, q-switched, fiber guided, wavelength 377 nm, pulse duration 1 microsecond, pulse repetition rate 70 Hz, water cooling) by quantifying it's calculus removing efficiency. The evaluated data were compared to those obtained with an ultrasonic calculus remover. In the first part of the study sample material consisted of 23 pigs' jaws. They were divided into two groups. The teeth of one group were cleaned on their buccal surfaces using an ultrasonic device (Sonosoft Lux, KaVo, Biberach, Germany; tip #9). Than hand-guided cleaning was performed until no further improvement in cleanness was visible. Cleaning time was measured. Photographic documentation was taken before and after the treatment. The teeth in the second group were cleaned engaging a frequency doubled Alexandrite laser. Treatment time was measured and photographs were taken in the same way. In the second part of the study 21 surfaces of human teeth set up in an artificial pocket model were treated with both systems again. Measurements followed the same protocol. The results strongly support the use of the frequency doubled Alexandrite laser for calculus removal.

Citation Download Citation

Christian G. Pilgrim, Peter Rechmann D.D.S., Dan S. Goldin, and Thomas Hennig "Measurement of efficiency in calculus removal with a frequency-doubled Alexandrite laser on pigs' jaws", Proc. SPIE 3910, Lasers in Dentistry VI, (24 March 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.380850

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