Method of using a cordless pumped μ-chip medical laser to cure composites
OwnerYutaka Shimojiinventor
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Abstract
A controlled process for thoroughly curing light-activated surgical and dental composites is presented using a hand-held, self-contained, cordless, rechargeable laser instrument. At least one micro laser generates focused single wavelength blue laser light of at most 480 nm, and enhances efficiency and control of curing. The process of use includes switching from stand-by mode to curing mode of operation of the instrument to save time during surgical and dental procedures.
Claims8
A process of curing photo-polymerizable medical composite materials comprising the steps of:
- placing a quantity of a chosen photo-polymerizable medical composite material at a site of repair, said quantity being sufficient to effect repair;
- generating and focusing a single band blue wavelength laser light of a selected wavelength from inside a hand-held, self-contained, diode pumped solid state laser generation instrument by pumping at least one chosen solid state microchip by at least one diode laser and by passing the laser light generated from said microchip through a focusing lens, said hand-held, self-contained instrument contains said diode laser housed together with said at least one chosen solid state laser microchip and with a rechargeable diode laser power supply and with a switch for firing said laser;
- directing a focused said blue wavelength laser light from said instrument into said material for a sufficient time to effect curing of said material, the wavelength of said laser light being at most 480 nm, and said wavelength being selected to be a maximum absorption wavelength of said chosen material.
A method for curing medical composite having a light activated cure mechanism comprising the step of directing a beam of focused, Q-switched, pulsed laser light into said composite such that curing of said composite is accomplished, said laser light being generated at a selected single band blue wavelength from at least one laser material, said at least one laser material being housed inside a hand-held, self-contained instrument together with a rechargeable laser power supply and with a switch for firing said laser, said wavelength being at most 480 nm, said wavelength being selected to be a maximum absorption wavelength of said composite.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.