Removal of hard dental tissue (cavity preparation) with the Er: YAG Laser

Abstract

Studies of the light properties of hard tooth tissue established the infrared and Ultraviolet regions of the spectrum which are absorbed by dentin (1981, the Japan Society of Conservative Dentistry.)
These studies show that dentin and enamel absorb light in the regions of the spectrum around 3μm and 10μm. Water also absorbs light in the 3μm region.
The Er: YAG laser is effective in the 3μm region and the CO₂ laser in the 10μm region. However, the CO₂ laser has a clinical drawback: it causes heating which cracks the tooth surface. This makes the Er: YAG the best possibility for clinical applications. (1990. The Japan Laser Dental Society.)
It has also been show that the Er: YAG laser removes hard tooth tissue through the micro-explosive reaction of the 00H-Stem of the hydroxy apatite the hydration shell inside the crystal is instantly vaporized.
Our laboratory is getting good results with the clinical application of the Er: YAG laser delivered with a special contact tip developed here. The complete absence of pain during the procedure is especially noteworthy.