Laser-Tissue Interactions

Abstract

The chapter is divided into two parts: Part 1 explains how living tissues are acting on light. The basic effects are reflection, refraction, absorption, and scattering. Part 2 then deals with the opposite action - how is light acting on living tissues? We speak of photochemical and photothermal effects, photoablation, plasma-induced ablation, and photodisruption. A detailed questionnaire is provided that assists practitioners in finding the best suitable laser source by taking into account various laser parameters such as wavelength, exposure time, and fluence. Special emphasis is put on the limitations of dental laser applications by discussing technical issues and adverse side effects.