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Solid-state lasers, powered by a rod of yttrium-aluminum-garnet crystal doped with holmium, a rare-earth element, as the active medium, designed for use in dental procedures. These lasers typically emit energy at a wavelength of 2,100 nm (midinfrared); they may be operated in continuous-wave, pulsed, and Q-switched modes. The laser energy can be delivered through a flexible optical glass fiber that can be operated in an aqueous environment. Ho:YAG dental lasers are used mainly to excise or vaporize soft tissue (e.g., gums) in the oral cavity.
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