title: CO2 laser application to the mineralized dental tissues--the possibility of iatrogenic sequelae.
abstract: From the many types of laser that are available commercially, the CO2 laser is presently thought to have the greatest potential for use in dentistry. An outline of the generation of emitted radiation from such a laser is given together with a review of work previously carried out and reported in the literature regarding application to the teeth. The main points of interest are the effects of radiation on the enamel and dentine, but concern is felt towards the possible iatrogenic damage of thermal origin that may occur within the pulp following irradiation of the dental tissues.
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry, The University, Dundee, Scotland.
authors.forename: I W
authors.initials: IW
authors.lastname: Jeffrey
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lawrenson
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Longbottom
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Saunders
mesh_terms: D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000528:radiation effects*; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000293:injuries* / Q000528:radiation effects; D003804:Dentin / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide