CLINICAL APPLICATION OF ARGON LASER IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

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Journal of the Korean Academy of Pediatric Dentistry 1997;24(1):139-147.
Published online February 28, 1997.

CLINICAL APPLICATION OF ARGON LASER IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

아르곤 레이저의 소아치과에서의 임상적 적용

이미나, 이상훈, 김종철

서울대학교 치과대학 소아치과학교실

Abstract

Argon laser used in this case report, is special in having two wavelength of 488, 514nm blue-green visible light spectrum. Blue light is used for composite resin polymerization and caries detection. Green light is used for soft tissue surgery and coagulation. Maximum absorption of this laser light occurs in red pigmentation such as hemoglobin. The argon laser may be well-suited for selective destruction of blood clots and hemangioma with minimal damage to adjacent tissues. Argon laser light penetrates tissue to the 1 mm depth, so its thermal intensity is lower than CO₂ laser light. Also, due to its short wavelength it can be focused in a small spot and even single gene can be excised by this laser and microscopy. After applicating argon laser to 4 patient for surgical procedure and to 1 patient for curing the composite resin, following results were obtained. 1. Improved visibility were gained due to hemostasis and no specific technique were needed according to easy recontouring of the tissue. 2. Ability to use by contact mode, tactile sense was superior but tissue dragability and accumulation of tissue on the tip needed sweeping motion. 3. Additive local anesthetic procedure was needed. 4. No suture and less curing time reduced chair time, this made argon laser available in pediatric dentistry.