Lasers in Dentistry and Pediatric Dentistry

Vocabulary flashcards about lasers in dentistry, with a focus on their applications and characteristics.

Laser

Light Amplification with the Aid of Stimulation Emission of Radiation

CO2 Laser

Wavelength: 10,600 nm. Applications: Ablation of soft tissues, gingival contouring, treatment of oral ulcerative lesions, gingivectomy, frenectomy, removal of dead epithelial tissue.

Nd-YAG Laser

Wavelength: 1064 nm. Applications: Root canal therapy, periodontal surgery, caries eradication.

Er-YAG Laser

Wavelength: 2940 nm. Applications: Eliminating caries, preparing enamel and dentin for cavities, root canal cleaning.

Er,Cr-YSGG Laser

Wavelength: 2780 nm. Applications: Etching enamel, eliminating caries, preparing cavities, ablation of bones, preparation of root canal.

Argon Laser

Wavelength: 572 nm. Applications: Polymerization of restorative resin materials, tooth whitening, removal of dead tissue, therapeutic management of oral lesions.

Diode Laser

Wavelength: 810 or 980 nm. Applications: Fibroblast proliferation, improved healing of surgical wounds, frenectomy, gingivectomy, gingival contouring.

HO-YAG Laser

Wavelength: 2100 nm. Applications: Contouring gingival elongation, oral lesions treatment, gingivectomy, and frenectomy.

Laser Tissue Interaction

Absorption, transmission, reflection, and dispersion.

Ankyloglossia

A condition affecting the newborn population; odd attachment of the lingual frenum which is one of the most frequently misdiagnosed and ignored congenital defects seen in children

Laser in Pulp Therapy

Erbium laser has comparable or better results than using traditional formocresol in pulpotomy.

Laser in Caries Removal

Erbium-based laser is the best laser for removing cavities from deep teeth, dentin, and other materials.

Benefits of Lasers

No need for sutures; reduced bleeding, swelling, and post-operative discomfort; improved patient compliance; reduced risk of viral and bacterial infections; faster tissue regrowth and wound healing.

Laser safety

Selected security guard, location with minimal reflected surfaces and restricted access, surgical team and patient wear safety goggles.

Laser Hazards

Ocular injury, tissue damage, environmental risks, combustion dangers, electrical risks.

Laser in Pediatric Dentistry

Causes less pain, has an analgesic effect on hard tissue, is vibration less, thus making the child patient comfortable and anxiety less.