The effects of pulsed ultraviolet and infra-red lasers on dental enamel.
To evaluate micromorphological changes seen in enamel following irradiation with pulsed lasers, extracted human teeth were treated with a TEA-CO2, an Er:YAG and an ArF laser systems. Light and scanning electron microscopic studies demonstrate that the Er:YAG laser produces a zone of microcracks in the subsurface area. While TEA-CO2 laser irradiation results mostly in surface melting, the Er:YAG laser produces a roughened enamel surface. After ArF laser irradiation a retentive surface appears, accompanied by some melting effects and an increased porosity. The observed results of all the employed laboratory type lasers varied over a wide range due to the widespread biologic differences in tooth structures.
Frentzen
M
M
Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Dental Clinic Bonn, Germany.
Winkelsträter
C
C
van Benthem
H
H
Koort
H J
HJ
D001128:Argon; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004871:Erbium; D006801:Humans; D007259:Infrared Rays; D007834:Lasers; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D016062:Porosity; D011897:Random Allocation; D013499:Surface Properties; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D001128:Argon; D004871:Erbium