title: Efficacy of nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma for tooth bleaching.
abstract: The conventional light source used for tooth bleaching has the potential to cause thermal damage, and the actual role of the light source is doubtful. In this study, we evaluated bleaching efficacy, temperature, and morphological safety after tooth bleaching with nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma. Tooth bleaching combined with plasma had improved efficacy in providing a higher level of brightness. The temperature of the pulp chamber was maintained around 37°C, indicating that the plasma does not cause any thermal damage. The morphological results of tooth bleaching with plasma did not affect mineral composition under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations. On the basis of these results, the application of plasma and low concentration of 15% carbamide peroxide (CP) has a high capability for effective tooth bleaching. It can be documented that plasma is a safe energy source, which has no deleterious effects on the tooth surface.
authors: Department of Oral Anatomy, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea.
authors: Seoul Hee
authors: SH
authors: Nam
authors: Department of Electrical Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 609-735, Republic of Korea.
authors: Hae June
authors: HJ
authors: Lee
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea.
authors: Jin Woo
authors: JW
authors: Hong
authors: Department of Oral Anatomy, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea.
authors: Gyoo Cheon
authors: GC
authors: Kim
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D058626:Plasma Gases / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013696:Temperature; D014070:Tooth / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014073:Tooth Bleaching / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D058205:Tooth Bleaching Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D058626:Plasma Gases; D058205:Tooth Bleaching Agents