The overall objective of this proposed research is to develop laser-based methods for the selective removal of dental caries and composite restorative materials using an integrated approach of computer-controlled laser- scanning coupled with methods of feedback. In addition to eliminating unpleasant noise and vibration associated with conventional dental handpieces, lasers deliver unparalleled precision, sterilize/remove tissue, and offer practical advantages such as decreased surgical time and smaller handpieces. Under appropriate laser conditions, lasers can confer a protective barrier on the enamel against future caries risks and enhanced adhesive properties for restorative materials. The objective of this proposal will be achieved through the following two specific aims: (1) Test the hypothesis that near-IR imaging systems can be combined with IR laser systems for the image-guided selective ablation of carious lesions; and (2) Test the hypothesis that spectral analysis can be used with a pulsed CO2 laser system for the selective removal of dental composites and sealants. These fundamental studies will significantly further our knowledge of the interaction of laser radiation with dental hard tissues and aid the development of safer and more effective feedback-guided laser systems over existing methods for the removal of dental caries and restorative materials. Furthermore, laser feedback systems have the potential to globally advance the standard of healthcare with increased conservative care for cavity preparations and dental restoration replacement procedures.

Public Health Relevance

Although there has been progress in reducing the incidence of dental decay, dental caries remains a significant public health problem and a new approach towards the treatment of dental caries with an emphasis on early detection and minimal intervention would be a significant step forward. Therefore, systems that can rapidly and selectively remove caries and/or composite from tooth surfaces while minimizing the inadvertent removal of healthy tooth structure would be a significant improvement over current methods. These fundamental studies will significantly advance our overall knowledge of laser-tissue interactions and facilitate the development of safer and more efficient laser systems for the removal of dental caries and restorative materials.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31DE026350-02
Application #
9440919
Study Section
NIDR Special Grants Review Committee (DSR)
Program Officer
Frieden, Leslie A
Project Start
2017-03-01
Project End
2020-02-29
Budget Start
2018-03-01
Budget End
2019-02-28
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2018
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California San Francisco
Department
Dentistry
Type
Schools of Dentistry/Oral Hygn
DUNS #
094878337
City
San Francisco
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94118
Fried, William A; Chan, Kenneth H; Darling, Cynthia L et al. (2018) Use of a DPSS Er:YAG laser for the selective removal of composite from tooth surfaces. Biomed Opt Express 9:5026-5036
Ngo, Albert; Chan, Kenneth H; Le, Oanh et al. (2018) Image-guided Removal of Interproximal Lesions with a CO2 Laser. Proc SPIE Int Soc Opt Eng 10473:
Chan, Kenneth H; Fried, Daniel (2018) Multispectral cross-polarization reflectance measurements suggest high contrast of demineralization on tooth surfaces at wavelengths beyond 1300 nm due to reduced light scattering in sound enamel. J Biomed Opt 23:1-4
Chan, Kenneth H; Fried, Daniel (2018) Selective ablation of dental caries using coaxial Co2 (9.3-?m) and near-IR (1880-nm) lasers. Lasers Surg Med :
Chan, Kenneth H; Fried, Nathaniel M; Fried, Daniel (2018) Selective Ablation of Carious Lesions using an Integrated Near-IR Imaging System and a Novel 9.3-µm CO2 Laser. Proc SPIE Int Soc Opt Eng 10473:
Kim, Jin Wan; Lee, Raymond; Chan, Kenneth H et al. (2017) Influence of a pulsed CO2 laser operating at 9.4???m on the surface morphology, reflectivity, and acid resistance of dental enamel below the threshold for melting. J Biomed Opt 22:28001
Lee, Raymond; Chan, Kenneth H; Jew, Jamison et al. (2017) Synergistic effect of fluoride and laser irradiation for the inhibition of the demineralization of dental enamel. Proc SPIE Int Soc Opt Eng 10044:
Simon, Jacob C; Kang, Hobin; Staninec, Michal et al. (2017) Near-IR and CP-OCT imaging of suspected occlusal caries lesions. Lasers Surg Med 49:215-224
Jew, Jamison; Chan, Kenneth H; Darling, Cynthia L et al. (2017) Selective removal of natural caries lesions from dentin and tooth occlusal surfaces using a diode-pumped Er:YAG laser. Proc SPIE Int Soc Opt Eng 10044:
Cho, Heajin; Lee, Robert C; Chan, Kenneth H et al. (2017) Assessment of radicular dentin permeability after irradiation with CO2 laser and endodontic irrigation treatments with thermal imaging. Proc SPIE Int Soc Opt Eng 10044:

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