Substance ablation with a superpulsed CO2 laser
Krejci, I.; Simunovic, K.; Lutz, F.
Schweizer Monatsschrift für Zahnmedizin 102(6): 693-699
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-2855 PMID: 1626266 Document Number: 403864
In this study a new, superpulsed CO2-laser was evaluated to remove enamel, dentin and several dental restorative materials. In the first part of the experiment, superpulsed mode was compared with pulsed and continuous wave using semiquantitative test methods. It was found that only superpulse was suitable for the purpose. In the following second part of the experiment, temperature rise, crater depth and crater diameter were quantitated for the superpulsed mode in a range of parameters defined in the first experimental part. It is concluded that superpulsed CO2-laser basically has the potential for a mechanical drill substitute, provided that the output power is limited to about 1 W and short pulses of 0.2-0.3 s duration are applied. In the present form the system is not adapted to clinical use. Cooling of the substrate and flexible beam delivery must be developed.