Preliminary investigation of a novel carbon dioxide laser for applications in dentistry.
OBJECTIVE
A novel pulsed CO(2) laser was examined for its ability to ablate hard dental tissues.


METHODS
Lased human enamel surfaces were viewed using light and scanning electron microscopy for evidence of adverse structural changes. In vitro shear bond strength tests were conducted on composite resin bonded to lased enamel surfaces and compared with conventionally prepared specimens. A thermal camera was used to monitor temperature changes during cavity preparation in tooth slabs to assess likely changes to the dental pulp.


RESULTS
No charring or surface cracks were observed on lased enamel surfaces using both microscopic techniques. Bonding of the lased enamel surfaces to composite resin was not significantly different from the acid-etched control group. For cavities with a remaining dentine thickness of less than 1 mm, the temperature rise was less than 6 degrees C.


CONCLUSIONS
A novel pulsed CO(2) laser shows promise for cutting cavities in teeth.
Whitters
C J
CJ
Glasgow Dental Hospital and School, Glasgow G2 3 JZ, Scotland, United Kingdom. j.whitters@dental.gla.ac.uk
Strang
R
R
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D001831:Body Temperature; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D001840:Dental Bonding / Q000379:methods*; D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000528:radiation effects*; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D002245:Carbon Dioxide