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Basic Laser Physics
In order to clarify how low- level laser therapy and faulty dental proprioception affect the body, it is necessary to review basic laser physics and developmental anatomy. Laser means Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation and was first theorized by Einstein. In 1960 Miaman developed the first laser, a ruby laser. This was a tube laser with a metal chamber, which contained the element ruby. When an electrical current excites the enclosed element, the atoms give off photons or packets of light energy. The photons bounced off a solid mirror on one end of the tube and out holes in the mirror on the other end of the tube. This light beam is unlike regular light in that it is coherent i.e., the photons are well ordered and synchronized. Laser light is also monochromatic, meaning it is of one pure color. Power density is a key to laser energy. Power Density (PD), or light concentration, is measured in watts per centi- meter squared (W/cm2). The problem with most DC battery driven lasers is that the battery bleeds off and does not maintain a standard PD, which negatively affects low- level laser therapy (LLLT) results. Recent developments in miniature computers have enabled the patenting of techniques that maintain a standard PD, as well as control energy frequency, much like Yogis and Jack Swartz.
Wavelengths are measured in nanometers. The most beneficial wavelengths are in the visible and near infrared ranges. These ranges are very safe ranges, far away from the damaging ultraviolet, x-rays, gamma and cosmic rays. Although the longer waves such as microwaves and radio waves are usually considered safe, there are some who think they might be damaging to sensitive individuals. All wavelengths used in low-level lasers are safely divided from these potentially damaging waves. Many people only think of lasers as cutting lasers. In order to cut with lasers, it is necessary to increase the PD from 300 to 10,000 W/cm2. Lasers do not even have a warming effect unless they are operated above 5 W/cm2. Low- level lasers discussed here operate from 1 to 3 milliwatts. Low-level lasers today are manufactured using semi-conductors, which are computer-like chips grown from various pure elements or combinations thereof. Combining the elements of InGaAlP makes visible light in the range of 630 to 685 nm; combining GaAlAs produces light in the range of 780 to 870 nm; and, combining GaAs produces infrared laser diodes in the 900nm range. The visible light ranges, while quite beneficial, are limited by their shallow penetration of 1 to 3 mm. The invisible or infrared light range penetrates much deeper. Research documents infrared penetrations from 10 to 15 mm, but clinical results indicate that the infrared beam penetrates 8 to 10 cm. Excellent results have been achieved using the patented (Low Level Lasers, Inc.) concept of “piggy backing” the beneficial effects of the visible upon the penetrating ability of the invisible. Low level lasers are used everywhere in our society, such as bar code check out, laser printers, compact disc players and for many medical procedures. In fact, without lasers, our society and economy as we see it today would collapse. World-wide studies have shown that laser energy is accumulative as well as cascading and reduces pain and inflammation via:
1. Bio-stimulation and photo-stimulation
2. Endogenous opiate production
3. Slowing sensory nerve production
4. Restoring cellular resonant energy
5. Stimulating the Na/K pump mechanism in the cell membrane
6. Inhibiting bradykinin & leukotriene production
Osmosis, a scientific fact taught in all grade and high school science classes, states that no nutrient can transfer across the depolarized membrane of an injured cell. One of the most important functions of low level laser therapy is to re-polarize sick and injured cellular membranes. This allows for essential nutrients to transfer from the blood into the cell. Research has shown that low level laser therapy can increase cellular ATP (body fuel) by as much as 150 percent.