Morphological effects of ArF excimer laser irradiation on enamel and dentin.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this investigation to determine the range of morphological and ablative effects that can be achieved on dental enamel and dentin using ArF excimer laser irradiation at a wavelength of 193nm.


METHODS
Caries-free coronal enamel and dentin surfaces of 20 extracted human teeth were subjected to irradiation at 193nm using a Lamda-Physik model EMG 103 MSC and ArF fill. Morphology of cavity floors and walls were assessed by light microscopy and SEM.


RESULTS
Morphological surface effects and ablation could be controlled effectively and reliably by choice of parameter combination, allowing the operator to achieve either a smooth, flat, or increasingly rough surface with differing degrees of selective ablation. No signs of thermal damage were apparent.


CONCLUSIONS
Excimer laser irradiation at 193nm provided clinically useful cavity preparations and surface morphological effects.
Wilder-Smith
P
P
Beckman Laser Institute & Medical Clinic, University of California, Irvine 92715, USA.
Lin
S
S
Nguyen
A
A
Liaw
L H
LH
Arrastia
A M
AM
Lee
J P
JP
Berns
M W
MW
D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D003804:Dentin / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers