The overall objective of this proposed research is to increase our fundamental understanding of the interaction of high intensity laser radiation with dental hard tissues and apply that knowledge to the development of laser based methods that selectively remove dental caries and composite restorative materials using an integrated approach of computer-controlled laser beam scanning coupled with optical methods of feedback. In addition to eliminating the noise and vibration associated with the dental hand-piece, lasers offer several unique advantages over current surgical technology for conservative dentistry. Under the appropriate irradiation conditions, lasers are capable of achieving markedly higher precision and selectivity, are well-suited for electronic control, can induce beneficial chemical and morphological changes in the walls of the drilled cavity that can render the tissues more resistant to further dental decay with enhanced adhesive properties to restorative materials.
The specific aims of this proposal are to test the following hypotheses: 1) that caries lesions can be safely and selectively removed from tooth surfaces at clinically relevant rates using image guided laser ablation, and 2) that composite can be safely and selectively removed from tooth surfaces at clinically relevant rates using laser ablation in conjunction with spectral feedback. 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. The use of highly selective laser systems for the removal of dental caries and dental composites is likely to lead to the practice of more conservative dental procedures that will reduce the amount of healthy tissue loss that is generally associated with conventional cavity preparations and the repair of existing composite restorations.

Public Health Relevance

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. Use of those laser systems is likely to lead to the practice of more conservative dental procedures that will markedly reduce the amount of healthy tissue loss that is generally associated with conventional cavity preparations.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01DE019631-03A1
Application #
8503460
Study Section
Oral, Dental and Craniofacial Sciences Study Section (ODCS)
Program Officer
Drummond, James
Project Start
2009-09-01
Project End
2018-03-31
Budget Start
2013-05-01
Budget End
2014-03-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$378,063
Indirect Cost
$128,063
Name
University of California San Francisco
Department
Dentistry
Type
Schools of Dentistry
DUNS #
094878337
City
San Francisco
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94143
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, 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:
Chang, Nai-Yuan N; Jew, Jamison M; Simon, Jacob C et al. (2017) Influence of multi-wavelength laser irradiation of enamel and dentin surfaces at 0.355, 2.94, and 9.4??m on surface morphology, permeability, and acid resistance. Lasers Surg Med 49:913-927
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:
Chang, Nai-Yuan N; Jew, Jamison; Simon, Jacob C et al. (2017) Influence of Multi-Wavelength Laser Irradiation of Enamel and Dentin Surfaces on Surface Morphology and Permeability. Proc SPIE Int Soc Opt Eng 10044:
Jang, Andrew T; Chan, Kenneth H; Fried, Daniel (2017) Automated ablation of dental composite using an IR pulsed laser coupled to a plume emission spectral feedback system. Lasers Surg Med 49:658-665

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