Dental Laser Ablation Using Fluorescence Marking and Absorber Ink

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dental lasers lack precision and cause damage to soft tissue due to the use of water films and photosensitizers, and they are not equipped with online monitoring and analysis modules.

Innovation Solution

A laser device using an ultrashort pulsed laser beam source and a pilot laser beam source to apply an absorber material, such as black marker or ink, for precise material removal with multiphoton absorption, accompanied by a photon detector for monitoring, to avoid damaging soft tissue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If water film is used to promote ablation process, then ablation efficiency is improved, but aerosol formation occurs which spreads viruses and bacteria

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveablation efficiencyVSAvoidaerosol formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the water film from the ablation process. Instead of using water to promote ablation, the invention uses direct laser ablation with ultrashort pulses, removing the source of aerosol formation while maintaining ablation efficiency through multiphoton absorption in the dental hard material itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/wet ablation method (water film) with an optical method (ultrashort pulsed laser). The substitution of the ablation mechanism eliminates the need for water, thereby preventing aerosol generation while preserving the ability to remove dental hard material effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If photosensitizer is used to generate oxygen radicals, then laser ablation is promoted, but soft dental tissue is damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser ablation promotionVSAvoidsoft tissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the laser energy interaction specifically in the dental hard material through ultrashort pulsed excitation. The short pulse duration confines the energy deposition to the target material, preventing thermal diffusion to surrounding soft tissue and eliminating the need for photosensitizers that would otherwise damage soft tissue through oxygen radical generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic ultrashort laser pulses with specific timing characteristics. The pulsed nature of the laser allows for controlled energy delivery that promotes ablation in hard material while the brief duration prevents cumulative thermal damage to soft tissue, replacing the need for photosensitizer-mediated ablation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If conventional laser is used for tooth ablation, then treatment is provided, but precision is insufficient and surrounding tissue is damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment capabilityVSAvoidablation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the laser parameters by using ultrashort pulse durations and specific wavelength characteristics. These parameter changes enable multiphoton absorption processes that confine energy deposition to the focal volume, dramatically improving ablation precision while reducing damage to surrounding tissue compared to conventional continuous or long-pulse lasers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables precise and gentle tooth ablation with reduced energy requirements, minimizing damage to healthy tissue and allowing real-time monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

This allows for precise removal of the material to be processed through multiphoton absorption at a significantly lower ablation threshold than without absorber material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMultiphoton absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a second laser beam source for providing a pilot laser beam, configured to induce fluorescence of pathogenic bacteria, which marks the processing area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 3

Pulsed Er:YAG laser systems are currently used to enable high-quality tooth ablation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP4706583A1Laser device for processing hard dental material

Publication Date: 2026.03.11 JENLAB

Figure 1~2

AI summary

Laser device (1) for processing dental hard material, comprising a first ultrashort pulsed laser beam source (2) for providing a processing laser beam (20) configured to apply the processing laser beam (20) to a predetermined processing area of dental hard material, a second laser beam source (3) for providing a pilot laser beam (30) configured to induce fluorescence of pathogenic bacteria which marks the processing area, and an application device (4) for applying an absorber material (6) to a processing area of dental hard material, wherein the first laser beam source (2) is configured such that the absorption of the processing laser beam (20) raises the absorber material (6) to a higher energy state.