2014 Volume 25 Issue 2 Pages 82-84
The Er:YAG laser is useful for not only removing dental caries, but also for oral surgery, endodontics, and periodontal therapies, and has many advantages compared with traditional treatments. The irradiation conditions of wavelength, output power, and pulse repetition are important for treatment efficacy. Moreover, morphological changes to the irradiated tip are a major factor affecting the adjustment of laser power to specific tissues. However, there is insufficient data regarding tip alterations during treatment. The aim of this study was to conduct a morphological analysis of tips using micro focus X-ray computed tomography (micro-CT). Quartz contact tips for cavity preparation or for soft tissue surgery were analyzed. Micro-CT was performed on five unused tips each. Micro-CT images were obtained under the following conditions: tube voltage 90 or 100kV; current 100 or 200μA; and slice width 0.16 or 0.08mm, respectively. The obtained 3D reconstructions were analyzed using software. The 3D data was correctly obtained from the shape of the contact tips by micro-CT. These results revealed that micro-CT is useful for 3D morphological analysis of irradiated tips.
