LA&HA - Journal of the Laser and Health Academy
Volume: 2013 | number: 2
ISSN (print):1855-9913 | ISSN (web): 1855-9921

Modeling Photoacoustic Efficiency during Erbium Laser Endodontics

Matjaz Lukac, Gasper Pustovrh
Pages: 1-7

A simple phenomenological model of the efficiency of photoacoustic transients encountered in Erbium laser endodontics is presented. The model provides a relationship between the optodynamic energy conversion efficiency and the laser pulse duration and energy that can be used to optimize laser endodontics protocols. The mechanical energy of the laser-generated vapor bubbles within the endodontic irrigant is found to be proportional to the square of the laser pulse energy, and is inversely proportional to the cube of the thickness of the thermally affected layer of the endodontic irrigant. With conical tips, the optodynamic (OD) energy conversion efficiency is five times higher in comparison to when flat tips are used.
It is demonstrated that the critical parameter for achieving efficient debridement of root canal systems is the Erbium laser pulse duration. Based on the phenomenological model, laser endodontics with an Er:YAG (SSP mode) laser will produce at least a three-times-higher energy of photoacoustic transients within a root canal system than an Er,Cr:YSGG laser (H mode) with the same pulse energy.
Key words: Er:YAG; Er,Cr:YSGG, laser dentistry, optoacoustics, endodontics, PIPS, optodynamics.

Article: J. LA&HA, Vol. 2013, No. 2; pp. 01-07.

Modeling Photoacoustic Efficiency during Erbium Laser Endodontics