Basic physics of laser interaction with vital tissue.

It is essential for any practitioner who uses lasers in their clinical practice to understand the basic physics of lasers. It is this knowledge that allows for an educated assessment of the clinical outcomes that lasers produce in our patients. It is also this understanding that provides a scientific basis for the visual feedback the clinician uses to vary parameters as needed to get the desired clinical results.

In vivo imaging of oral mucositis in an animal model using optical coherence tomography and optical Doppler tomography.

Purpose: To assess noninvasive optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical Doppler tomography (ODT) for early detection and evaluation of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis.

Experimental Design: Cheek pouches of 10 Syrian golden hamsters were imaged using OCT/ODT during development of chemotherapy-induced mucositis. I.

Histologic analysis of the effect on dental pulp of a 9.6-microm CO(2) laser.

Background And Objective: Both patients and dentists would like a replacement of the dental drill. During the last decade, lasers have been investigated as a possible replacement. For lasers to be accepted, studies must show that their effect on the dental pulpal tissues is equal to or less noxious than those effects caused by the dental handpiece (drill).

Sealant bond strengths of CO(2) laser-etched versus acid-etched bovine enamel.

Background And Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate sealant shear bond strength on bovine enamel with standard acid etching compared with CO(2) laser etching.

Study Design/materials And Methods: Bovine enamel was prepared either by acid or laser etching and divided into four experimental groups, either acid or laser-etched teeth with or without a primer. A gelatin capsule was used to place the sealant on the prepared enamel surface and the bond tested in shear.

Patients' perception of lasers in dentistry.

Background And Objective: Replacement of the dental handpiece (drill) has been of great interest in dentistry because of the overwhelming fear by patients to this method of tooth preparation. The driving force to find a replacement seems to be the undocumented requests of dental patients. Patients' perception of lasers and their ability to make a visit to the dentist easier is the focus of this study.