The effect of the 308 nm excimer laser on tooth enamel

Abstract

The use of the laser as a tool for dental application offers great potential. Dental applications for lasers, developed to date, have primarily been used for surgery on soft tissues. The pulsed output of the 308 nm excimer laser along with the photochemical rather than photothermal action make this type of laser ideal for dental application. This type of laser offers an ability to cut on hard and soft dental tissues with minimal generation of heat. The effect of the 308 nm excimer laser on dental enamel was evaluated and quantified varying the energy density and time of exposure. the surface topography was also observed when the dental enamel was exposed to excimer laser irradiation, and compared to enamel surfaces which had been chemically etched. Energy densities of 50, 70 and 90 mJ/mm2 were used while exposing points on the enamel surface for 500, 1000, 1500, 3000 and 4000 pulses (each 100 pulses equal to 5 seconds of time). Tooth samples were rigidly fixed in position while the laser beam was transmitted to the enamel surface through a uv-grade fused silica fiber optic light guide 600 microns in diameter. Results showed that a symmetrical hole could be produced in the enamel surface, accurately controlling diameter and depth of penetration, with minimal heat generation during the cutting process.The use of the laser as a tool for dental application offers great potential. Dental applications for lasers, developed to date, have primarily been used for surgery on soft tissues. The pulsed output of the 308 nm excimer laser along with the photochemical rather than photothermal action make this type of laser ideal for dental application. This type of laser offers an ability to cut on hard and soft dental tissues with minimal generation of heat. The effect of the 308 nm excimer laser on dental enamel was evaluated and quantified varying the energy density and time of exposure. the surface topography was also observed when the dental enamel was exposed to excimer laser irradiation, and compared to enamel surfaces which had been chemically etched. Energy densities of 50, 70 and 90 mJ/mm2 were used while exposing points on the enamel surface for 500, 1000, 1500, 3000 and 4000 pulses (each 100 pulses equal to 5 seconds of time). Tooth samples were rigidly fixed in position while the laser beam was transmit...