Surface changes of composite and compomer materials following irradiation with an Er:YAG laser and a frequency doubled alexandrite laser

Abstract

Er: YAG lasers as well as the frequency doubled Alexandrite laser have been suggested for the use in periodontal therapy and so for the elimination of calculus and the treatment of infected root cement. Intended is the laser application inside the gingival pocket. In consequence, both these lasers may be used in areas close to cervical or approximal location, or even on the fillings' surfaces. Light cured composite and compomer materials are in use for these types of fillings among others. Aim of the study presented here was to compare the effect of an Er: YAG laser (wavelength 2.94 μm, pulse duration 250 μs, free running, fluence 4.5 J/cm 2 and 21.4 J/cm 2 ) on compomers and composites with the results following irradiation with a frequency doubled Alexandrite laser (wavelength 377 nm, pulse duration 200 ns, fluence 3 Jcm -2 and 6 J/cm 2 ). The surface of standardized compomer and composite samples were irradiated with both laser wavelengths (either frequency doubled Alexandrite or Er: YAG laser) using the same standardized application protocol. Scanning electron microscopic investigation showed that irradiation with both lasers causes surface changes in composites and compomers removing calculus with these lasers.