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Nanosecond Pulsed Plasma Dental Probe
Author(s) -
Jiang Chunqi,
Chen MengTse,
Gorur Amita,
Schaudinn Christoph,
Jaramillo David E.,
Costerton J. William,
Sedghizadeh Parish P.,
Vernier P. Thomas,
Gundersen Martin A.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
plasma processes and polymers
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.644
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1612-8869
pISSN - 1612-8850
DOI - 10.1002/ppap.200800133
Subject(s) - plasma , materials science , root canal , nanosecond , coaxial , scanning electron microscope , optoelectronics , optics , dentistry , electrical engineering , composite material , laser , medicine , physics , quantum mechanics , engineering
A novel coaxial tubular device capable of generating a 2.5 cm long pencil‐like plasma plume in ambient atmosphere has recently been developed to disinfect root canal systems during endodontic treatment. Powered with short (≈100 ns), intense (6 kV) electric pulses at 1 kHz, the plasma dental probe is safe for operation, electromagnetic noise‐free, with low power consumption (an average power of ≈1 W) and minimal heating of materials under treatment. It thus has the essential features required for oral and dental disinfection. In this communication, we present the design of the device and evidence that the plasma dental probe is effective for tooth surface disinfection. Scanning electron microscopy shows complete destruction of endodontic biofilms for a depth of 1 mm inside a root canal after plasma treatment for 5 min. Plasma emission spectroscopy identifies atomic oxygen as one of the likely active agents for the bactericidal effect.