Patent ID: 7470124

Claim:
A system for the thermolytic eradication of microorganisms and biofilm in the root canal of a human tooth, said system comprising an elongated and flexible optical probe, a laser oscillator communicating with the distal end of said optical probe through at least one optical fiber, a power supply operatively connected to said laser oscillator, and a control operatively connected to said power supply and said laser oscillator; (a) said optical probe being composed of a member of the class consisting of sapphire and zirconium, and having an optically diffusive surface dispersing optical energy throughout 360° laterally of said optical probe and along the entire length of said optical probe; (b) said optical fiber ranging in diameter between 400 to 1000 μm; (c) said optical probe ranging in diameter from ISO 20 to ISO 70; (d) said laser oscillator generating radiation in two near infrared wavelengths including about 870 nm and 930 nm, respectively; (e) said optical fiber being operatively connected between said laser oscillator and an ingress at the proximal end of said optical probe; (f) said optical probe being sufficiently long for insertion into substantially the entire length of the root canal of said tooth; (g) said optical probe causing lateral dispersion of said radiation from said probe throughout said root canal; and (h) said control being configured and arranged for energizing said laser oscillator for disperation of said radiation at an energy density and for a period of time sufficent to thermolyze said microorganisms and said biofilm in said root canal.