Ablation Of Dental Hard Tissues Research Articles

Optical penetration models for practical prediction of femtosecond laser ablation of dental hard tissue.

To develop and practically test high-precision femtosecond laser ablation models for dental hard tissue that are useful for detailed planning of automated laser dental restorative treatment. Analytical models are proposed, derived, and demonstrated for practical calculation of ablation rates, ablation efficiency and ablated morphology of human dental enamel and dentin using femtosecond lasers. The models assume an effective optical attenuation coefficient for the irradiated material. To achieve ablation, it is necessary for the local energy density of the attenuated pulse in the hard tissue to surpass a predefined threshold that signifies the minimum energy density required for material ionization. A 1029 nm, 40 W carbide 275 fs laser was used to ablate sliced adult human teeth and generate the data necessary for testing the models. The volume of material removed, and the shape of the ablated channel were measured using optical profilometry. The models fit with the measured ablation efficiency curve against laser fluence for both enamel and dentin, correctly capturing the fluence for optimum ablation and the volume of ablated material per pulse. The detailed shapes of a 400-micrometer wide channel and a single-pulse width channel are accurately predicted using the superposition of the analytical result for a single pulse. The findings have value for planning automated dental restorative treatment using femtosecond lasers. The measurements and analysis give estimates of the optical properties of enamel and dentin irradiated with an infrared femtosecond laser at above-threshold fluence and the proposed models give insight into the physics of femtosecond laser processing of dental hard tissue.

Retraction statement: Dental hard tissue ablation using mid-infrared tunable nanosecond pulsed Cr:CdSe laser.

Retraction statement: Dental hard tissue ablation using mid-infrared tunable nanosecond pulsed Cr:CdSe laser.

2 Er:YAGレーザーによる歯質切削に関する研究(第543回大阪歯科学会例会)

2 Er:YAGレーザーによる歯質切削に関する研究(第543回大阪歯科学会例会)

Precise femtosecond laser ablation of dental hard tissue: preliminary investigation on adequate laser parameters

This work aims at evaluating the possibility of introducing state-of-the-art commercial femtosecond laser system in restorative dentistry by maintaining well-known benefits of lasers for caries removal, but also in overcoming disadvantages such as thermal damage of irradiated substrate. Femtosecond ablation of dental hard tissue is investigated by changing the irradiation parameters (pulsed laser energy, scanning speed and pulse repetition rate), assessed for enamel and dentin. The femtosecond laser system used in this work may be suitable for cavity preparation in dentin and enamel, due to the expected effective ablation and low temperature increase when using ultra short laser pulses. If adequate laser parameters are selected, this system seems to be promising for promoting a laser-assisted, minimally invasive approach in restorative dentistry.

Data Fitting to Study Ablated Hard Dental Tissues by Nanosecond Laser Irradiation.

Laser ablation of dental hard tissues is one of the most important laser applications in dentistry. Many works have reported the interaction of laser radiations with tooth material to optimize laser parameters such as wavelength, energy density, etc. This work has focused on determining the relationship between energy density and ablation thresholds using pulsed, 5 nanosecond, neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet; Nd:Y3Al5O12 (Nd:YAG) laser at 1064 nanometer. For enamel and dentin tissues, the ablations have been performed using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique. The ablation thresholds and relationship between energy densities and peak areas of calcium lines, which appeared in LIBS, were determined using data fitting. Furthermore, the morphological changes were studied using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Moreover, the chemical stability of the tooth material after ablation has been studied using Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The differences between carbon atomic % of non-irradiated and irradiated samples were tested using statistical t-test. Results revealed that the best fitting between energy densities and peak areas of calcium lines were exponential and linear for enamel and dentin, respectively. In addition, the ablation threshold of Nd:YAG lasers in enamel was higher than that of dentin. The morphology of the surrounded ablated region of enamel showed thermal damages. For enamel, the EDX quantitative analysis showed that the atomic % of carbon increased significantly when laser energy density increased.

Er : YAGレーザー照射法に関する研究:—チップ損耗性についての検討—

Er : YAGレーザー照射法に関する研究:—チップ損耗性についての検討—

Comparative evaluation of surface topography of tooth prepared using erbium, chromium: Yttrium, scandium, gallium, garnet laser and bur and its clinical implications.

Background:Erbium, chromium: Yttrium, scandium, gallium, garnet (Er, Cr: YSGG) laser has been successfully used in the ablation of dental hard and soft tissues. It has been reported that this system is also useful for preparing tooth surfaces and etching, but no consensus exist in the literature regarding the advantage of lasers over conventional tooth preparation technique.Materials and Methods:Labial surfaces of 25 extracted human maxillary central incisors were divided into two halves. Right half was prepared with diamond bur and left half with Er, Cr; YSGG laser and a reduction of 0.3–0.5 mm was carried out. Topography of prepared surfaces of five teeth were examined under scanning electron microscope (SEM). The remaining samples were divided into 4 groups of 10 specimens each based on the surface treatment received: One group was acid etched and other was nonetched. Composite resin cylinders were bonded on prepared surfaces and shear bond strength was assessed using a universal testing machine.Results:The SEM observation revealed that the laser prepared surfaces were clean, highly irregular and devoid of a smear layer. Bur prepared surfaces were relatively smooth but covered with smear layer.Highest bond strength was shown by laser prepared acid etched group, followed by bur prepared the acid etched group. The bur prepared nonacid etched group showed least bond strength.Conclusions:Er, Cr: YSGG laser can be used for preparing tooth and bond strength value achieved by laser preparation alone without surface treatment procedure lies in the range of clinical acceptability.

Study on Dental Hard Tissue Ablation by Er: YAG Laser

Study on Dental Hard Tissue Ablation by Er: YAG Laser

Heat generation caused by ablation of dental hard tissues with an ultrashort pulse laser (USPL) system

Heat generation during the removal of dental hard tissues may lead to a temperature increase and cause painful sensations or damage dental tissues. The aim of this study was to assess heat generation in dental hard tissues following laser ablation using an ultrashort pulse laser (USPL) system. A total of 85 specimens of dental hard tissues were used, comprising 45 specimens of human dentine evaluating a thickness of 1, 2, and 3mm (15 samples each) and 40 specimens of human enamel with a thickness of 1 and 2mm (20 samples each). Ablation was performed with an Nd:YVO4 laser at 1,064nm, a pulse duration of 9ps, and a repetition rate of 500kHz with an average output power of 6W. Specimens were irradiated for 0.8s. Employing a scanner system, rectangular cavities of 1-mm edge length were generated. A temperature sensor was placed at the back of the specimens, recording the temperature during the ablation process. All measurements were made employing a heat-conductive paste without any additional cooling or spray. Heat generation during laser ablation depended on the dental hard tissue (enamel or dentine) and the thickness of the respective tissue (p < 0.05). Highest temperature increase could be observed in the 1-mm thickness group for enamel. Evaluating the 1-mm group for dentine, a significantly lower temperature increase could be measured (p < 0.05) with lowest values in the 3-mm group (p < 0.05). A time delay for temperature increase during the ablation process depending on the material thickness was observed for both hard tissues (p < 0.05). Employing the USPL system to remove dental hard tissues, heat generation has to be considered. Especially during laser ablation next to pulpal tissues, painful sensations and potential thermal injury of pulp tissue might occur.

Femtosecond pulsed laser ablation of dental hard tissues with numerical control: a roughness and morphology study

To establish the femtosecond laser experimental platform in vitro for numerical controlled cavity preparation, and to evaluate the roughness quantitatively and observe the microscopic morphology of the cutting surface. Enamel and dentin planes were prepared on human third molars. A universal motion controller was used to control the samples to do rectangle wave motion perpendicular to the incident direction of the laser at focus. The surface roughness was observed with confocal laser scanning microscope. Precise ablation of the dental hard tissues can be achieved with the established femtosecond laser numerical control platform. For enamel, the surface roughness of the cavity inside laser scanning line was 7.173 µm at the bottom and 2.675 µm on the wall of the cavity. The surface roughness of the cavity between laser scanning lines was 13.667 µm at the bottom and 33.927 µm on the wall. For dentin, the surface roughness of the cavity bottom was 51.182 µm and 25.629 µm for the wall. Scanning electron microscope images showed no micro-cracks or carbonization on enamel, while carbonization, cracks and a small amount of crystalline particles were observed on dentin. Precise tooth preparation can be achieved with femtosecond laser numerical control flatform. The surface roughness of cavity wall was less than that of the bottom and can meet the clinical needs. Suitable femtosecond laser output power should be set for different cutting objects, otherwise it may result in tissue damages.

Influence of the hydration state on the ultrashort laser ablation of dental hard tissues

Since about 40 years, laser-based surgical tools have been used in medicine and dentistry to improve clinical protocols. In dentistry, femtosecond lasers have been claimed to be a potential ablation tool. It would, however, be good to perform a more fundamental investigation to understand ablation interaction mechanisms and possible side effects, depending on different specific components of the target tissue. The goal of this study is to show the changes of ablation characteristics in the femtosecond regime at different levels of structural water within dental hard tissues. Thirty human teeth samples were split into three hydration groups and subdivided into dentin and enamel groups (n = 5). The specimens were irradiated using a 70-fs Ti:sapphire laser (with a 1-kHz repetition rate and a 801-nm wavelength output). Ablation was performed using five different power levels and three exposure times. The results clearly show an inversely proportional dependence of the ablation threshold to the hydration level of the tissues. A known mathematical model was adapted in order to include the influence of the changes on the relative fractional composition of dental hard tissues. This analysis was consistent with the experimental results regarding the ablation threshold. High thermal and mechanical damages were observed as a high repetition rate had been applied. Macroscopic images and scanning electron microscopy images were used to preliminarily analyze both the thermal and mechanical damage thresholds, and their variations according to the hydration level present. By manipulating the hydration states, the modifications in the proportions of the molecules that build dental hard tissues clearly shift, and therefore, the characteristics of a plasma-induced ablation change.

Precise ablation of dental hard tissues with ultra-short pulsed lasers. Preliminary exploratory investigation on adequate laser parameters

This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of introducing ultra-short pulsed lasers (USPL) in restorative dentistry by maintaining the well-known benefits of lasers for caries removal, but also overcoming disadvantages, such as thermal damage of irradiated substrate. USPL ablation of dental hard tissues was investigated in two phases. Phase 1--different wavelengths (355, 532, 1,045, and 1,064 nm), pulse durations (picoseconds and femtoseconds) and irradiation parameters (scanning speed, output power, and pulse repetition rate) were assessed for enamel and dentin. Ablation rate was determined, and the temperature increase measured in real time. Phase 2--the most favorable laser parameters were evaluated to correlate temperature increase to ablation rate and ablation efficiency. The influence of cooling methods (air, air-water spray) on ablation process was further analyzed. All parameters tested provided precise and selective tissue ablation. For all lasers, faster scanning speeds resulted in better interaction and reduced temperature increase. The most adequate results were observed for the 1064-nm ps-laser and the 1045-nm fs-laser. Forced cooling caused moderate changes in temperature increase, but reduced ablation, being considered unnecessary during irradiation with USPL. For dentin, the correlation between temperature increase and ablation efficiency was satisfactory for both pulse durations, while for enamel, the best correlation was observed for fs-laser, independently of the power used. USPL may be suitable for cavity preparation in dentin and enamel, since effective ablation and low temperature increase were observed. If adequate laser parameters are selected, this technique seems to be promising for promoting the laser-assisted, minimally invasive approach.

Ablation of dental hard tissues with ultra-sort pulsed lasers

Ablation of dental hard tissues with ultra-sort pulsed lasers

High-speed scanning ablation of dental hard tissues with a λ = 9.3 μm CO2 laser: adhesion, mechanical strength, heat accumulation, and peripheral thermal damage

CO(2) lasers can be operated at high laser pulse repetition rates for the rapid and precise removal of dental decay. Excessive heat accumulation and peripheral thermal damage is a concern when using high pulse repetition rates. Peripheral thermal damage can adversely impact the mechanical strength of the irradiated tissue, particularly for dentin, and reduce the adhesion characteristics of the modified surfaces. The interpulpal temperature rise was recorded using microthermocouples situated at the roof of the pulp chamber on teeth that were occlusally ablated using a rapidly-scanned CO(2) laser operating at 9.3 μm with a pulse duration of 10 to 15 μs and repetition rate of 300 Hz over a 2 min time course. The adhesion strength of laser treated enamel and dentin surfaces was measured for various laser scanning parameters with and without post-ablation acid etching using the single-plane shear test. The mechanical strength of laser-ablated dentin surfaces were determined via the four-point bend test and compared to control samples prepared with 320 grit wet sand paper to simulate conventional preparations. Thermocouple measurements indicated that the temperature remained below ambient temperature if water-cooling was used. There was no discoloration of either dentin or enamel laser treated surfaces, the surfaces were uniformly ablated, and there were no cracks visible. Four-point bend tests yielded mean mechanical strengths of 18.2 N (s.d. = 4.6) for ablated dentin and 18.1 N (s.d. = 2.7) for control (p > 0.05). Shear tests yielded mean bond strengths approaching 30 MPa for both enamel and dentin under certain irradiation conditions. These values were slightly lower than nonirradiated acid-etched control samples. Additional studies are needed to determine if the slightly lower bond strength than the acid-etched control samples is clinically significant. These measurements demonstrate that enamel and dentin surfaces can be rapidly ablated by CO(2) lasers with minimal peripheral thermal and mechanical damage and without excessive heat accumulation.

Er:YAGレーザーによる歯硬組織切削時の注水下効率増大現象の再考

注水下で水酸化アパタイトにEr:YAGレーザーを照射したときの切削機構を調べた。多孔質の合成水酸化アパタイトに，このレーザーを照射するとき，そのままでは切削できないが，空隙に水を染み込ませると切削できるようになる。切削後の試料表面を走査電子顕微鏡で観察することにより，外部から染み込んだ水の爆発的な気化が切削の原因であることがわかった。このメカニズムにより，歯硬組織を切削するときの注水下での効率増大現象も説明される。

小児歯科領域におけるレーザー治療の応用

Treatment methods in pediatric dentistry must be painless, safe, and relatively short to avoid fear in the patient and allow convenient postoperative healing. Laser treatment satisfies these criteria, making it very effective for pediatric patients. Low level lasers such as the He-Ne laser, diode laser and Nd:YAG laser are currently used for pulp therapy to accelerate pulp wound healing, whereas the CO2 laser and Nd:YAG laser are used for dental caries prevention by making enamel acid resistant. The CO2 laser is mainly used for soft tissue problems because hemostasis can be achieved rapidly during surgery and the patient experiences good wound healing with little or no postoperative pain. The Er:YAG laser allows preparation of a cavity without pain by ablation of dental hard tissue. In this paper, we discuss the effectiveness of laser therapy for pediatric patients in clinical procedures from deciduous dentition to permanent dentition.

Visualising the procedures in the influence of water on the ablation of dental hard tissue with erbium:yttrium–aluminium–garnet and erbium, chromium:yttrium–scandium–gallium-garnet laser pulses

The exact mechanism of the ablation of tooth hard tissue with most common wavelengths, which are 2,940 nm and 2,780 nm, is not yet clear. There are several different theories, but none of them has yet been established. Concepts and methods of looking at these mechanisms have been based on heat formation and transformation, and mathematical calculations evaluating the outcome of ablation, such as looking at the shape of cuts. This study provides a new concept, which is the monitoring of the direct interactions between laser light, water and enamel, with a high-speed camera. For this purpose, both the above-mentioned wavelengths were examined. Bovine anterior teeth were prepared as thin slices. Each imaged slice had a thickness close to that of the beam diameter so that the ablation effect could be shown in two dimensional pictures. The single images were extracted from the video-clips and then were animated. The following steps, explaining the ablation procedures during each pulse, were seen and reported: (1) low-output energy intensity in the first pulses that did not lead to an ablative effect; (2) bubble formation with higher output energy density; (3) the tooth surface during the pulse was covered with the plume of vapour (comparable with a cloud), and the margins of ablation on the tooth were not clear; (4) when the vapour bubble (cloud) was collapsing, an additional ablative process at the surface could be seen.

Er,Cr:YSGG Pulsed laser applied to medical dentistry

An erbium, chromium: yttrium, scandium, gallium, garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) pulsed laser, operating at 2780 μ m wavelength, 300 mJ maximum pulse energy, 140 μ s pulse duration and 20 Hz repetition rate, was employed to irradiate human teeth. The photon energy is transmitted to the tooth through an optical fiber with a sapphire tip, which is dipped in an adjustable air/water atomizer spray. Extracted teeth were cleaned in an ultrasonic bath, stored in saline solution, and dried and weighed before each laser treatment. The laser irradiation was performed for 10 s using a 600 μ m focused beam. Each sample was irradiated varying the air/water ratio of the integrated nebulizer spray. After the treatment, the samples were again weighed and produced craters were analyzed with a profilometric system. The crater volume permitted to evaluate the laser ablation yield. Teeth treated with an air/water spray ratio of 95–80% resulted in greatest average quantity of tissue ablation. This investigation confirmed the high efficiency of the Er,Cr:YSGG laser in the ablation of dental hard tissues showing the fundamental role of the water spray, which plays a fundamental role in the quantitative and qualitative modifications of the hard tissue treated, as it will be discussed in detail.

Laser dental hard tissue ablation: Comparison Er-lasers and scanned ultra-short pulse laser

Laser treatment of dentine was performed with two free-running Erbium laser systems operated at 3 W average power, and a mode-locked 12-ps Nd:vanadate laser at an average power of 3.5 W. Mean ablated volumes per laser pulse were determined by means of a three-dimensional digital evaluation method. The temporal pulse profiles of the Erbium systems was analysed to explain the ablation rate results. Additionally, the morphology of the laser treated surfaces was examined. Two Erbium laser systems were involved in this study. The Er:YAG laser, emitting at a wavelength of 2940 nm, has a maximum pulse energy of 1.5 J and adjustable pulse repetition rate up to 50 Hz. It was operated in the VSP (variable square pulse) mode. The laser beam is delivered via a mirror articulated arm and outcoupled through a conically shaped sapphire tip. The second system, was an Er,Cr:YSGG laser with a wavelength of 2780 nm, has a maximum pulse energy of 300 mJ and fixed pulse repetition rate of 20 Hz. A fibre delivery system is implemented in this laser. Again, a conically shaped sapphire tip was used. Laser treatment was performed at 3 W and 20 Hz with an air-water spray.

Influence of the water content in dental enamel and dentin on ablation with erbium YAG and erbium YSGG lasers

The theory of the ablation of dental hard tissue with erbium lasers is based on a process of thermomechanical interaction, which is explained by the absorption of the radiation in the water component of the tissue. The abrupt evaporation of the water is the cause of tissue fragments being blasted out of the tooth structure. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of the water contained in dental hard tissues on the efficiency of ablation. 192 specimens of both bovine dental enamel and bovine dentin are irradiated with an Er:YAG and an Er,Cr:YSGG laser. Half of the specimens are dehydrated beforehand. Irradiation is carried out in subgroups: without water spray and with water spray at flow rates of 0.8 and 3 mls. The ablated volume is determined following histological preparation. Only in dentin, and then only with irradiation with the Er:YAG laser, is the water contained in the tissue found to have a significant influence (p < 0.0001) on the ablated volume. The water content has no effect on the efficiency of laser ablation in any of the other test groups. In contrast, the externally supplied water always has a significant influence on the effectiveness of the ablation process.