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Comparative study of the thermal effects of four semiconductor lasers on the enamel and pulp chamber of a human tooth
Author(s) -
Arrastia Anna Marie A.,
Machida Takashi,
Smith Petra Wilder,
Matsumoto Koukichi
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.1900150408
Subject(s) - laser , enamel paint , irradiation , thermocouple , materials science , wavelength , dentistry , optics , biomedical engineering , semiconductor , semiconductor laser theory , pulp (tooth) , composite material , optoelectronics , medicine , physics , nuclear physics
An in vitro thermometric study was conducted on various GaAlAs semiconductor lasers emitting at wavelengths between 750 nm and 905 nm, to verify whether these lasers produce significant heating during application to tooth structure. Measurements were conducted in vitro, using a thermal camera and a thermocouple during a 60, 120, and 180 s laser exposure at energy densities between 1.5 and 2,400 J/cm 2 . Mean temperature changes on surface enamel were statistically significant in all groups at P ≤.05 and P ≤.01. The higher the energy density applied to a surface area, the greater the temperature rise observed using the same spot size, operation mode, and wavelength. Intrspulpal temperature elevations measured ≥37°C. An in vivo study was also conducted to determine whether perceptible stimuli are experienced by patients during this time of laser treatment and to verify results of the in vitro study. The results did not conform well with the in vitro study because of uncontrollable variables. None of the patients who received irradiation treatment described any perceptible stimuli. © 1994 WiIey‐Liss, Inc.