Abstract: A laser tip, and method for the use thereof, is described for utilization in medical and dental applications. Specifically, a tip with an increased photoacoustic wave emission capability is formed by beveling the tip and further enhanced by stripping the adjacent sheath. Preferably, this conic and/or stripped tip section is surface modified, for example, by texturing, derivatization or metalization. In the field of endodontics the tip is inserted into a solution that has been introduced into a root canal and the pulsed laser is fired. The resulting generation of an enhanced photoacoustic wave propagates through the solution. These photoacoustic waves turbulently clean the interior of the root and lateral canal systems and/or causes cell lysis and dissolution of inorganics in biotic systems.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 9, 2007
Date of Patent:
June 14, 2011
Assignee:
Medical Dental Advanced Technologies Group, L.L.C.
Inventors:
Douglas L. Glover, Enrico E. DiVito, Kemmons A. Tubbs, Mark P. Colonna