Neiburger E J
J Mass Dent Soc. 1992 Spring;41(2):77-9.
A low-wattage carbon dioxide laser was tested as a means of welding (sealing) the apices of unfilled, endodontically prepared teeth. Thirty-five teeth were filed and lased using a variety of power settings. Apical seals were examined microscopically, radiographically, and mechanically for complete welds. Accurately directed laser exposures of 15 or more watts with a 0.5 second duration will completely seal the apical openings of anterior teeth. The ideal treatment for endodontically compromised teeth has always been a completely sealed tooth apex. Usually amalgam, gutta-percha, or resin sealers are used after a lengthy and tedious preparation of the exposed root area. The carbon dioxide laser is designed for soft tissue dental surgery but is capable of melting enamel and dentin which recrystallizes in a dense solid as it cools (fig. 1). The laser, with its potential for accurately delivering a great quantity of energy to a small, exposed surface, appears to be an excellent tool for quick, direct sealing of open apices. This paper will investigate the practicality and best methods of spot welding root apices.
低功率二氧化碳激光被作为一种焊接（封闭）未充填、经牙髓治疗预备后的牙根尖的方法进行了测试。使用多种功率设置对35颗牙齿进行锉磨并照射激光。对根尖封闭情况进行了微观、放射影像学及机械方面的检查，以确定焊接是否完全。15瓦及以上功率、持续时间为0.5秒且照射方向准确的激光能够完全封闭前牙的根尖孔。对于牙髓已受损的牙齿，理想的治疗方法一直是完全封闭根尖。通常在对暴露的牙根区域进行漫长而繁琐的预备后，使用汞合金、牙胶或树脂封闭剂。二氧化碳激光专为口腔软组织手术设计，但能够熔化牙釉质和牙本质，冷却后重新结晶形成致密的固体（图1）。激光具有将大量能量精确传递至小面积暴露表面的潜力，似乎是快速、直接封闭开放根尖的理想工具。本文将研究点焊牙根尖的实用性及最佳方法。
