Controlled tooth surface heating and sterilization by Er:YAG laser radiation

Raimund Hibst; Karl Stock; Robert Gall; Ulrich Keller D.D.S.

doi:10.1117/12.260668

3 December 1996 Controlled tooth surface heating and sterilization by Er:YAG laser radiation

Raimund Hibst, Karl Stock, Robert Gall, Ulrich Keller D.D.S.

Proceedings Volume 2922, Laser Applications in Medicine and Dentistry; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.260668
Event: BiOS Europe '96, 1996, Vienna, Austria

Abstract

Previous studies on thermal effects of Er:YAG laser tooth irradiation have considered heat as an unwanted side effect of tissue ablation.In contrast, we now investigate the potential of the Er:YAG laser for controlled heating and surface sterilization. The methods include model calculations, temperature measurements, and the investigation of bactericidal effects on natural carious lesions. Due to the strong absorption, in the initial phase of subablative irradiation, there is steep temperature gradient in the tissue, subsequently fading off by heat conduction. Using repetitive pulses and irradiation times of a few seconds, it is possible to reach a surface temperature increase (Delta) T oscillating between 100 K and a few 100 K, while keeping (Delta) T in 1.5 mm depth below 6 K. Carious surfaces can be completely sterilized. Thus the Er:YAG laser offers a new potential for controlled and sparing sterilization in dentistry.

Citation Download Citation

Raimund Hibst, Karl Stock, Robert Gall, and Ulrich Keller D.D.S. "Controlled tooth surface heating and sterilization by Er:YAG laser radiation", Proc. SPIE 2922, Laser Applications in Medicine and Dentistry, (3 December 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.260668

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