Operative Dentistry (DES400) - Lasers in Dentistry

Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, a process used to amplify microwave frequencies.

The first laser created, marking the beginning of laser technology.

A type of laser commonly used in dentistry, emitting a specific wavelength.

A type of laser commonly used in dentistry, emitting a specific wavelength.

A hollow cavity that contains the active medium and two mirrors which reflect light back and forth, amplifying it.

The heart of the laser, a material that produces laser light.

Provides energy to excite the active medium, causing it to emit laser light.

Controls the characteristics of the laser output, like power and mode.

The rate at which a laser emits pulses, measured in pulses per second (Hz).

The duration of time a single laser pulse is emitted.

A system used to remove heat generated during laser operation, ensuring safe and efficient laser performance.

A method of delivering laser energy to the target tissue.

A flexible and thin cable made of quartz, commonly used to transmit laser light in the visible and near infrared spectrum.

A type of fiber used to transmit laser energy for Er:YAG and CO2 lasers, utilizing reflective internal walls.

A system that uses a series of interconnected articulated mirrors to deliver laser energy with minimal dispersion, ensuring efficient energy transfer. It's often used for CO2 and Er:YAG lasers.

A device attached to the laser delivery system, which directs and focuses the laser beam onto the target tissue. They can be straight or angled.

LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It's a device that creates a focused, intense beam of light using a process called stimulated emission.

Einstein's theories on stimulated emission laid the groundwork for laser technology. He proposed that electrons can be stimulated to emit light of a specific wavelength, paving the way for controlled light amplification.

A laser device has multiple components, including a gain medium (which amplifies light), an energy source (to pump the medium), an optical resonator (to create a coherent beam), and a laser beam output.

Lasers work by stimulating atoms in a gain medium to emit photons (light particles). This process is called stimulated emission, where excited atoms release photons when stimulated by external energy. These photons then trigger more emissions, leading to amplification of light.

Lasers are categorized based on the wavelength of their emitted light. Different wavelengths have specific applications in medicine and dentistry. Common classifications include CO2, Er:YAG, and Diode lasers.

Laser technology offers benefits in dentistry, such as precise treatment, reduced pain and discomfort, minimized bleeding and swelling, and faster healing. It also allows for less invasive procedures, leading to faster recovery times for patients.

While lasers offer advantages, there are limitations. Factors like cost, limited tissue penetration, potential for thermal damage, and lack of widespread availability can be drawbacks.

Lasers have various applications in medicine, including surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, and oncology. Their ability to target specific tissues with precision makes them invaluable for treating various conditions.

A type of laser handpiece that uses a sapphire lens to focus the beam at a specific distance from the target, typically 5-10 mm. It is efficient but susceptible to wear and requires precision due to the amplification of any movement.

A type of laser handpiece that works with various tips of different sizes, shapes, lengths, and angles designed for specific tissue interactions. The laser beam is emitted in close contact or directly on the target tissue, improving precision.

A type of laser handpiece that allows the fiber to pass through a hollow interior and exit from an angled tip. This type is used with lasers like KTP, some diodes, and neodymium:YAG.

The process by which atoms are stimulated to emit photons of light, leading to the amplification of light in a laser.

The process of providing energy to the atoms of a laser medium (gas, liquid, or solid) to activate them and prepare them for light emission.

The emission of photons of light by excited atoms, forming the basis of laser operation.

The process by which an incoming photon triggers the emission of another photon by an excited atom, leading to the amplification of light in a laser.

The process by which a laser beam is amplified as it bounces back and forth between two mirrors inside the laser cavity, leading to a concentrated beam of light.

Using lasers to destroy cancerous cells in the brain.

Using lasers to target and destroy cancerous cells in veins, especially in patients with melanoma.

A laser procedure used to remove layers of skin to improve its appearance, often addressing wrinkles and scars.

Using lasers to remove unwanted tattoos by targeting and breaking down the ink particles.

A common laser eye surgery for correcting nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea.

Using lasers to treat cold sores, often by targeting and destroying the virus responsible for the infection.

Using lasers to treat aphthous ulcers, commonly known as canker sores, by targeting the ulcers and stimulating healing.

Using lasers to repair and regenerate damaged nerves, potentially aiding in nerve function recovery.

The ability of laser light to pass through a material, such as dental tissue.

The bouncing back of laser light from a surface, like a mirror reflecting light.

The absorption of laser energy by a material, causing a change in the material, such as heating or tissue removal.

The scattering of laser light in multiple directions, causing a less focused beam.

The ability of a substance to attract light energy of a specific wavelength.

A type of laser used for soft tissue procedures in dentistry, such as gingivectomy or frenectomy.

A type of laser used for hard tissue procedures in dentistry, such as tooth preparation or caries removal.

The primary target tissues in restorative dentistry, including enamel, dentin, and decayed tissue, which are composed of hydroxyapatite, water, and collagen.