Lasers Classification Revisited

Lasers Classification Revisited Professor Dr. Vipul Kumar Srivastava, did his B.D.S. from C.O.D.S Manipal and acquired his M.D.S. in Endodontics and Operative Dentistry from J.S.S Mysore. He lectures extensively all over the world and conducts various workshops and hands on courses for graduates and post-graduates on Basic and Advanced Endodontic treatments, Laser Dentistry and Photography. Dr. Shally Mahajan Srivastava, an orthodontist currently serving as a reader in a private college in Luknow. She is actively involoved in conducting dental

Dr. Vipul Kumar Srivastava

Dr. Shally M. Srivastava

Dr. Akanksha Bhatt

Dr. Aakanksha Srivastava

educational programmes and has been one of the founder member of Academy of Laser Dentistry, Affliated India. Dr. Akanksha Bhatt, an Endodontist, currently working as assistant professor. She has completed her standard competency in Laser Dentistry from Academy of Laser Dentistry, USA. She has worked in many workshops on Laser Dentistry and Endodontics. Dr. Aakanksha Srivastava, after her graduation, completed Standard Competency Course on Laser Dentistry from University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and currenlty working as an associate Dentist at 32 Pearls Dental Clinic, Lucknow.

iii. Argon laser (Argon ions)

Lasers is an emerging techonology which has already established its place as a standard dentistry procedure with its clearly defined

2. Soft laser (for biostimulation and analgesia)

indications and contraindications. LASER is an acronym for “light

i. He-Ne lasers

amplification by stimulated emission of radiation”. It is a form of light

ii. Diode lasers

with the only difference that it has three unique properties that makes it more special than an ordinary light i.e monochromatic meaning that

III. According to the delivery system

the light energy is concentrated within a very tight spectral (wavelength)

i. Articulated arm (mirror type)

band, directional, and coherent which means that it can be targeted

ii. Hollow waveguide

accurately and with very high intensity.1

iii. Fiber optic cable

At present, the dental market is on the virtual explosion of technological

IV. According to the type of active medium used :

development. With a diversity of laser wavelengths available, for a

Gas, solid, semi-conductor or dye lasers

clinician to make the best pick from what is available commercially, he must understand the basics and the classification so that he can make

V. According to type of lasing medium :

his choice of wavelength to his clinical advantage.

E.g. Erbium: Yttrium Aluminium Garnet

Lasers have been classified in many ways such as:

2,3

VI. According to pumping scheme

I. According to the wavelength (nanometers)

1. Optically pumped laser 2. Electrically pumped laser

1. UV (ultraviolet) range – 140 to 400 nm 2. VS (visible spectrum) – 400 to 700 nm

VII. According to operation mode

3. IR (infrared) range – more than 700 nm

1. Continuous wave lasers

Most lasers operate in one or more of these wavelength regions.

2. Pulsed lasers

II. Broad classification

VIII. According to degree of hazard to skin or eyes following

1. Hard laser (for surgical work)

inadvertent exposure,

i. CO2 lasers (CO2 gas)

The laser classification system is based on the probability of

ii. Nd:YAG lasers (Yttrium-aluminium-garnet crystals dotted

damage occurring.

with neodymium)

Famdent Practical Dentistry Handbook

Class I- (< 39mw) Exempt; pose no threat of biological damage.

1

Vol. 13 Issue 5 July - Sep. 2013

Class II- (< 1 mw) The output could harm a person if he were

Various laser wavelengths used in dentistry

to stare into the beam for a long period of time. The normal

There are several dental laser wavelengths being used today for a

aversion response or blinking should prevent you from staring

variety of different procedures. This section overviews some of the

into the beam. No damage can be done within the time it takes

standard dental laser wavelengths including Argon, dual-wavelength

to blink.

Argon, Diode, Nd:Yag, Erbium (Er:YAG) (Er:YSGG), CO2 and Low Level Lasers.

Class IIIA - (