1994 · 41 citations · 0 references
EngineeringLaser ApplicationsLaser AblationWater SprayBiomedical EngineeringClinical DentistryHigh-power LasersMaterial ProcessingLaser Micro-processingAblation ThresholdRadiologyMaterials ScienceLaser Processing TechnologyLaser-assisted DepositionHard Tissue3D PrintingAdvanced Laser ProcessingDental BiomechanicsOral BiologyHuman EnamelLaser-surface Interactions
Human enamel and dentin were cut using a 2.8 micrometers erbium laser beam in conjunction with water spray. Ablation rates of the order of 0.14 mm<SUP>3</SUP>/s were achieved for both tissues at 4 W average power. An ablation threshold of 0.28 W was determined for dentin when using the water spray. When above threshold, the volume of tissue ablated per joule was discovered to be nearly constant, not related to the average laser power. Comparative microscopy between tissue irradiated with and without water spray demonstrated a lack of thermal effects when the water spray was utilized.