Laser Diode Blog Posts

Choosing Infrared Laser Diodes for Dental Crown Troughing

Laser diodes have transformed dental procedures, particularly crown troughing, by offering fast, precise, and bacteria-eliminating solutions. For dental professionals and Medical OEM integrators selecting a laser diode, understanding the requirements for crown troughing is crucial. This article briefly explains the role of laser diodes in dental applications and outlines key considerations for choosing the right infrared laser diode, highlighting RPMC Lasers’ LDX-IR-FC fiber-coupled laser diode for optimal performance.

Understanding Laser Diodes in Dental Crown Troughing

Crown troughing involves preparing soft tissue around a tooth’s base to ensure a tight seal for crown placement. Unlike traditional cord-based methods or electrosurgical techniques, which are slower or limited by intraoral metals, laser diodes enable rapid (seconds vs. minutes) and versatile tissue retraction while disinfecting the cavity. Near-infrared laser diodes, typically around 800 nm, deliver energy through fiber-coupled systems to gently pull back tissue without burning, making them ideal for dental applications like crown troughing, pocket disinfection, and gingival contouring.

laser diode crown troughing

Key Considerations for Choosing Dental Laser Diodes

Selecting the right laser diode for crown troughing requires balancing wavelength, power, fiber coupling, and integration needs. Below are the primary factors to consider:

1. Wavelength Selection for Dental Applications

Near-infrared wavelengths (750–1400 nm) are optimal for crown troughing due to their effective tissue interaction and ability to kill bacteria. Around 800 nm is commonly used to achieve precise tissue retraction without excessive thermal damage.

RPMC Solution: The LDX-IR-FC offers wavelengths from 750 nm to 1400 nm, ideal for dental crown troughing and other soft tissue procedures.

patient receiving red nir laser diode dental gum treatment

2. Output Power and Operating Mode

Crown troughing requires controlled power to retract tissue without burning, typically in the milliwatt to watt-level range. Continuous-wave (CW) operation ensures steady energy delivery, while pulsed modes allow higher peak powers for specific applications. The laser must balance efficiency and safety.

RPMC Solution: The LDX-IR-FC delivers up to 12.8 W in CW or pulsed modes, with low threshold current and high slope efficiency for reliable, safe performance in dental systems.

3. Fiber Coupling for Precision Delivery

Fiber-coupled laser diodes are essential for directing energy to the tooth-tissue interface. Smaller fiber sizes (e.g., 105 µm) provide higher brightness, while larger fibers (e.g., 365 µm) offer greater efficiency, depending on the system design.

RPMC Solution: The LDX-IR-FC supports fiber sizes from 105 µm to 365 µm, ensuring precise energy delivery for crown troughing.

4. Customization and Integration for Dental Systems

Dental laser systems require compact, reliable diodes that integrate seamlessly into OEM or clinical setups. Options like micro-lensing, TECs, photodiodes, and custom packaging enhance performance and adaptability.

RPMC Solution: The LDX-IR-FC offers customizable packaging (9mm SMA, HHL-FC, 2-Pin FCP, 8-Pin BFC), with options for TECs, photodiodes, and ruggedized designs, ideal for dental OEM integration.

5. Reliability and Made-in-the-USA Quality

Long-term reliability is critical for dental applications. High-quality diodes with advanced thermal management and robust packaging ensure consistent performance and extended lifetimes.

RPMC Solution: Manufactured by LDX Optronics, the LDX-IR-FC is made in the USA, offering proven reliability, no tariffs, and guaranteed supply for your program’s lifespan.

lasers for dental red nir laser diodes for soft tissue gum treatment

Why Choose RPMC’s LDX-IR-FC for Dental Crown Troughing?

Infrared laser diodes are revolutionizing dentistry by enabling fast, precise, and hygienic crown troughing. RPMC Lasers, the exclusive worldwide distributor for LDX Optronics, offers the LDX-IR-FC, a high-power, multimode laser diode with wavelengths from 750 nm to 1400 nm, up to 12.8 W output, and customizable packaging. With over 30 years of experience, RPMC ensures dependable delivery, high-quality performance, and tailored solutions for dental applications.

Ready to Select Your Dental Laser Diode?

Choosing the right laser diode for crown troughing enhances efficiency and patient outcomes. The LDX-IR-FC delivers the wavelength, power, and customization needed for dental systems.

Talk to a knowledgeable Product Manager today by emailing us at info@rpmclasers.com or by clicking the button below!

Have questions?

Additionally, www.dentalacademyofce.com is an excellent resource for developing a more detailed understanding of dental laser applications, if you would like to take a deeper dive into the subject you can take their online self-study course by clicking here.