Imaging and non-contact profile analysis of Nd:YAG laser-irradiated teeth by scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy.
Two types of non-contact optical profilometers, one performing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) installed with a 3D analyzer and another performing confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were applied to evaluate imaging and surface profiles simultaneously on enamel and dentin after Nd:YAG laser irradiation. The results were correlated with a stylus profilometer. Surface roughness (Ra) was also measured. Laser was applied perpendicularly to vertical sections of human extracted caries-free molars. Analysis was done on the same spot of the same specimen by both SEM and CLSM for comparison. After irradiation, enamel produced a flake-like surface and dentin resulted in a melted globule surface. SEM and CLSM gave similar surface profiles and different image contrast. The Ra obtained by CLSM was larger than that by SEM. Both SEM and CLSM provided a non-contact evaluation of tooth structural change by laser irradiation through surface analysis in selected micro areas, which was not possible using the stylus profilometer.
Department of Oral Health Science, Section of Dental Materials and Engineering, Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 13, Nishi 7, Kita-ku , Sapporo 060-8586, Japan.
Magda Kiyoko
MK
Yamada
Fumio
F
Watari
D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000528:radiation effects*; D003804:Dentin / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D007834:Lasers; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008963:Molar; D009354:Neodymium; D013499:Surface Properties
D009354:Neodymium