810nm, 980nm, 1470nm and 1950nm diode laser comparison: a preliminary “ex vivo” study on oral soft tissues

Abstract

The introduction of diode lasers in dentistry has several advantages, mainly consisting on the reduced size, reduced cost and possibility to beam delivering by optical fibers. At the moment the two diode wavelengths normally utilized in the dental field are 810 and 980 nm for soft tissues treatments. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of four different diode wavelengths: 810, 980, 1470 and 1950 nm diode laser for the ablation of soft tissues. Several samples of veal tongue were exposed to the four different wavelengths, at different fluences. The internal temperature of the soft tissues, in the area close to the beam, was monitored with thermocouple during the experiment. The excision quality of the exposed samples have been characterized by means of an optical microscope. Tissue damages and the cut regularity have been evaluated on the base of established criteria. The lowest thermal increase was recorded for 1950 nm laser. Best quality and speed of incision were obtained by the same wavelength. By evaluating epithelial, stromal and vascular damages for all the used wavelengths, the best result, in terms of "tissue respect", have been obtained for 1470 and 1950 nm exposures. From the obtained results 1470 and 1950 nm diode laser showed to be the best performer wavelengths among these used in this "ex vivo" study, probably due to their greatest affinity to water.

Evaluation of edema formation and salivary EGF related to 810 nm diode laser and conventional surgery after frenectomy

“…32 The temperature difference between the initial tissue temperature and the end of the procedure was higher in the 810 nm diode laser than in the 980, 1470, and 1940 nm lasers. 33 Diode lasers produce energy that penetrates the tissue and causes adjacent tissue heating. 9 Due to this temperature difference the 810 nm diode laser may cause the most edema formation.…”

“…5 There is no tissue heating in scalpel surgery. 9,33 Epithelialization is rapid in the scalpel, and wound healing is rapid due to the absence of ablated tissue. 9 In scalpel surgery, the surgical area is smaller, and lower EGF, fewer edema, and reduced morbidity may be expected due to the absence of a factor that slows wound healing.…”

“…4 Diode lasers can penetrate deep tissues up to 4-5 mm and generate heat. 33 Wound healing with a diode laser is slower than that with other lasers. An 808 nm diode laser was the latest group used in a study evaluating the wound healing process.…”