Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry (Apr 2021)
Effects of 9,300 nm Carbon Dioxide Laser on Dental Hard Tissue: A Concise Review
Abstract
Vicky Wenqing Xue,1,2 Irene Shuping Zhao,1 Iris Xiaoxue Yin,2 John Yun Niu,2 Edward Chin Man Lo,2 Chun Hung Chu2 1School of Dentistry, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China; 2Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong KongCorrespondence: Irene Shuping ZhaoSchool of Dentistry, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of ChinaEmail [email protected] Hung ChuFaculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, 3B36 Prince Philip Dental Hospital, 34 Hospital Road, Hong KongEmail [email protected]: 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.Keywords: caries, prevention, fluoride, dentin, enamel, laser, carbon dioxide
