A 40 year old male patient came for routine dental checkup. Patient gives history of root canal treatment with 17 and 27 done using excimer. This type of lasers are:
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the understanding of different types of lasers used in dentistry, specifically their applications and characteristics. Excimer lasers are a type of ultraviolet laser that are used for precise removal of tooth structure, such as in root canal treatments.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Excimer lasers emit a high-intensity, ultraviolet beam that is absorbed by water and organic tissues, leading to precise removal of tooth structure without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. In the context of root canal treatment, excimer lasers are used to remove infected or damaged tooth structure, allowing for more efficient and effective removal of infected tissue. The use of excimer lasers in root canal treatment has been shown to reduce the risk of over-removal of tooth structure and improve the overall outcome of the procedure.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Argon lasers are used for soft tissue procedures, such as gum recontouring and gingivoplasty, and are not typically used for root canal treatments.
**Option B:** Nd:YAG lasers are used for hard tissue procedures, such as enamel and dentin removal, but are not typically used for root canal treatments.
**Option C:** Er:YAG lasers are used for hard tissue procedures, such as enamel and dentin removal, but are not typically used for root canal treatments.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Excimer lasers are highly precise and can remove tooth structure with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue, making them an excellent choice for root canal treatments.
**Correct Answer:** C.