title: Restorative dentistry for children using a hard tissue laser.
abstract: This article will describe how a hard tissue laser is used in various restorative procedures. The erbium family of lasers (Er,Cr:YSGG and Er:YAG) are highly absorbed in water and, to a lesser extent, in tooth mineral. Because a carious lesion contains significantly more water than healthy enamel or dentin, the laser can offer some selectivity in removing the diseased material. Furthermore, these lasers can offer some degree of anesthesia. In these clinical photos, an Er,Cr:YSGG laser (Waterlase or Waterlase MD, 2780-nm; Biolase Technologies, Irvine, CA) was used.
authors.affiliation: Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Barry
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Jacobson
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Asgari
mesh_terms: D000134:Acid Etching, Dental; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003442:Crowns; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000628:therapy; D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation / Q000145:classification / Q000379:methods; D045662:Dental Etching; D003764:Dental Materials; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000145:classification / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011672:Pulpotomy / Q000379:methods; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000379:methods; D019231:Tooth Preparation, Prosthodontic / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D003764:Dental Materials