Laser destruction of demineralized dentin

The results of comparative study of laser destruction of tooth dentin caused by intensive picosecond YAG:Nd laser pulses and submillisecond YAG:Er laser radiation are represented. The dependencies of destruction threshold and efficiency of laser treatment on demineralization degree of dentin are represented. The quality of laser cavities formed in demineralized dentine slices cut across the dentin tubules is analyzed. The possible mechanisms of destruction are discussed.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.