Title: Lasers in Dentistry: Basic Concepts and Types – A Review
Author: Dr Haby Mathew Somson MDS
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v7i1.73
Abstract
Introduction
‘Lasers’ and their various applications in dentistry have been widely researched since the 1900s. Since lasers have various advantages, they are indicated for a variety of prosthetic procedures. As lasers have become an inevitable tool for modern dental practice, a proper understanding of laser physics, its advantages and safety aspects has become a necessity. This article gives an overview of the science behind laser application in prosthetic dentistry.
History[1,2,3]
In the early 1900s, the theories of quantum mechanics were given by Bohr. In 1958, Shawlaw and Townes discovered laser. The first step towards development of ruby laser was in 1960 by Maiman of Hughes Research Lab. Widespread research was carried out by Stern and Sognnaesin 1965. In1988, Pagdhiwala tested the ability of Er: YAG laser to ablate dental hard tissues In the year 1990, the first pulsed Nd: YAG laser designed specifically for the dental use and in 1997, FDA clearance for the marketing of the first true dental hard tissue Er: YAG laser was obtained. Diode lasers were developed in 1990s.
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