Effects of KrF excimer laser irradiation on human dental enamel

Spectra of human dental enamel was recorded in the 200-400 nm UV region. It showed the weak band at 280 nm which were present in enamel protein. Excimer laser are gas lasers which emit light with photochemical decomposition. The wavelength depends on the 248 nm with krypton-fluoride. The enamel surfaces of extracted human teeth were exposed to KrF excimer laser by an energy density range from 29.6 to 3200 J/cm2. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes with photo chemical reaction in enamel by light microscopy, SEM and X ray diffraction method. Results of analyses suggested that the observed changes of enamel exposed to this laser were the alpha and beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) phase in small amounts. No histological changes were observed in grain boundaries of cross sectioned lased enamel under light microscopy. The SEM examination revealed a roughened surface with bubble formation at 800-3200 J/cm2. SEM of etched enamel surface with 0.1 N HCl after laser irradiation at 400-800 J/cm2 showed the extension along the length of the rods. At 1600-3200 J/cm2, there appeared to be a melting of prism structures, because of conversion of photon energy into thermal energy. These results showed the KrF excimer laser irradiation to dental enamel might be a new type of treatment modality and diagnosis in preventive dentistry.