Abstract: Laser radiation having a selected wavelength and in the form of pulses having a selected pulse duration, repetition rate and energy content per pulse, is employed for performing a variety of dental and medical procedures, including treatment of cysts and granulomas in the gum, and cutting of dentin, cementum, dental root material, bone and metal. Cavities and openings in teeth and bones can be filled with a mixture containing hydroxyapatite and phosphoric acid, mixed together to form a paste, and the resulting mixture, after being introduced into the opening or cavity, can be cured and hardened by application of pulses of defocussed laser radiation.

Abstract: A dental hygiene appliance for brushing teeth composed of a handle; a brushing head connected to the handle and a set of tooth brushing bristles projecting in a given direction from the head; a source of monochromatic radiation having a given wavelength; and elements for directing the radiation from the head in a direction having at least a component in the given direction; wherein the elements for directing radiation are structurally separate from the bristles.

Abstract: An opening in bone or tooth tissue is repaired by at least partially filling the opening with a calcium-containing material in a moldable state and a protein gel; and applying to the gel laser radiation in a manner to weld that material to one of the bone or tooth tissue adjacent the opening and the calcium-containing material without causing harmful side effects to the bone or tooth tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a medical or dental treatment by: providing radiation at two different wavelengths and at respective power levels such that the radiation at each wavelength is individually capable of cutting a given organic tissue; simultaneously applying the laser radiation at the two different wavelengths to a single body region which is composed of the given tissue; and directing a cooling fluid at the single body fluid region simultaneously with the step of applying radiation.

Abstract: A method of eliminating bacteria from water without resort to chemicals. The method is carried out by: mixing into the water a dye which stains bacteria contained in the water; and irradiating the water containing the dye with radiation at a wavelength which is absorbed more highly by the dye than by water and at a radiation power density sufficient to vaporize at least a significant proportion of the dye and the bacteria stained by the dye.

Abstract: An optical member for transmission of laser radiation, the fiber comprising a light transmitting element containing calcium fluoride.

Abstract: A method of cutting physiologic tissue in the mouth of a patient, comprising: providing a tunable laser which is tunable to produce laser radiation at any one of at least two different wavelengths, including a first wavelength which is effective for cutting physiologic tissue of a first type and a second wavelength for cutting physiologic tissue of a second type; tuning the laser to produce radiation at one first and second wavelengths; emitting the radiation being produced by the laser and directing the emitted radiation at physiologic tissue of the type corresponding to the radiation wavelength which the laser is tuned to produce; and at least when the laser is tuned to produce radiation at a selected wavelength, directing a cooling liquid at the physiologic tissue at which the emitted radiation is being directed simultaneously with performance of the directing step.

Abstract: Laser radiation having a selected wavelength and in the form of pulses having a selected pulse duration, repetition rate and energy content per pulse, is employed for performing a variety of dental and medical procedures, including treatment of cysts and granulomas in the gum, and cutting of dentin, cementum, dental root material, bone and metal. Cavities and openings in teeth and bones can be filled with a mixture containing hydroxyapatite and phosphoric acid, mixed together to form a paste, and the resulting mixture, after being introduced into the openign or cavity, can be cured and hardened by application of pulses of defocussed laser radiation.