Ultrashort laser pulses in dentistry: advantages and limitations

Markolf H. Niemz

doi:10.1117/12.308211

18 May 1998 Ultrashort laser pulses in dentistry: advantages and limitations

Markolf H. Niemz

Proceedings Volume 3255, Applications of Ultrashort-Pulse Lasers in Medicine and Biology; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.308211
Event: BiOS '98 International Biomedical Optics Symposium, 1998, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Several laser systems are currently under investigation for the purpose of removing hard dental tissues. However, either undesired thermal side effects or the lack of efficiency have already been demonstrated in most cases. In this paper, advantages and limitations of using ultrashort laser pulses with either picosecond or femtosecond durations are discussed. The major advantages associated with these pulse durations is the ability to produce very precise cavities without significant thermal side effects. Even disruptive effects due to shock wave generation seem to be negligible at moderate pulse energies close to the ablation threshold. The quality of these cavities is found to be superior to the quality achievable with other laser systems. Moreover, a spectroscopical analysis of the laser-induced plasma sparks enables an on-line health diagnosis of the irradiated volume. Limitations arise from the development of a suitable delivery system and from the cost of generating ultrashort laser pulses.

Citation Download Citation

Markolf H. Niemz "Ultrashort laser pulses in dentistry: advantages and limitations", Proc. SPIE 3255, Applications of Ultrashort-Pulse Lasers in Medicine and Biology, (18 May 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.308211

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