Effects of 9,300 nm Carbon Dioxide Laser on Dental Hard Tissue: A Concise Review

Abstract

A carbon dioxide laser at 9,300 nm has a high absorption affinity for water and a shallow depth of penetration. It can be used for soft tissue surgery and hemostasis. Besides, it matches well with the absorption characteristic of hydroxyapatite in enamel and dentine. Therefore, the laser possesses a great ability for energy transfer to dental hard tissues. It has a low risk of thermo-damage to the dentine–pulp complex because it has a shallow depth of heat absorption. Hence, the laser is safe for dental hard tissue preparation. A carbon dioxide laser at 9,300 nm can effectively alter the chemical structure of teeth. It increases the ratio of calcium to phosphorus and converts the carbonated hydroxyapatite to the purer hydroxyapatite of enamel and dentine. It can alter the surface morphology of a tooth through surface melting, fusion, and ablation of dentine and enamel. At higher power, it removes caries lesions. It can enhance the success of restoration by increasing the bond strength of dental adhesives to the dentine and enamel. A carbon dioxide laser at 9,300 nm can also be used with fluoride for caries prevention. The advancement of technology allows the laser to be delivered in very short pulse durations and high repetition rates (frequency). Consequently, the laser can now be used with high peak power. The objective of this review is to discuss the effects and potential use of a 9,300 nm carbon dioxide laser on dental hard tissue.

Success Rate of Direct Pulp Capping with Conventional Procedures Using Ca (OH)2 and Bioactive Tricalcium Silicate Paste vs. Laser-Assisted Procedures (Diode 980 nm, CO2, and Er: YAG)

“…This increased control of bleeding will decrease the severity of the inflammation. Hence, it seems that the coagulation of the exposed pulp produced by the CO 2 laser includes a thin layer of coagulated and less infected tissues, below which there is an area where the injury can be reversed, inducing the migration of stem cells, inflammatory cells, and fibroblasts [50,51]. This may have ultimately contributed to the dentinal bridge formation.…”

Automation in Dentistry with Mechanical Drills and Lasers for Implant Osteotomy: A Narrative-Scoping Review

“…Direct comparison of laser versus conventional mechanical osteotomy for implants appears to be lacking. Nonetheless, there is research on the use of hard-tissue lasers on mineralized tooth tissues, namely enamel and dentin, for tooth cavity preparation [18,39]. Laser cavity preparation has gained popularity as it minimizes bacterial contamination, and could contribute to reduced secondary caries after restoration.…”

“…For bone ablation in implant osteotomy, the laser ablative surgical processes directly transfer laser energy to the water and hydroxyapatite crystals in the mineralized tissues [17,18,41]. This results in direct ablation or vaporization of the tissue with minimal inadvertent adjacent tissue damage [16][17][18][19]39,41,42]. There would be minimal disruption of the Haversian system and collagen framework, improving tissue healing responses for osseointegration.…”

Laser—An Emerging Tool in Surgical Periodontal Therapy: An Overview

“…For example, CO 2 lasers are known to achieve greater hemostasis and provide rapid vaporization of soft tissues. Thus, providing a clean operating field requires no suturing, so they are most suitable for gingivoplasty procedures [7]. In contrast, Nd:YAG laser and diode lasers have a greater depth of penetration into the tissues making them suitable for incisional and excisional procedures, e.g., removal of gingival hyperplasia, and gingival recontouring procedures.…”