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Structural changes of Er:YAG laser-irradiated human dentin
Bor-Shiunn Lee1, Chun-Pin Lin, Yu-Lin Hung
1Graduate Institute of Clinical Dentistry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Photomedicine and Laser Surgery
|September 4, 2004
Summary
Er:YAG laser irradiation on dentin without water spray caused compositional and morphological changes. Water cooling is crucial to minimize thermal effects and preserve dentin structure during laser treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Laser-dentistry interactions
- Biomaterials research
Background:
- Limited comprehensive data exists on human dentin's phase and compositional alterations post-Er:YAG laser irradiation.
- Understanding these changes is vital for optimizing laser-based dental procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Er:YAG laser irradiation on the phase, composition, and morphology of human dentin.
- To evaluate the role of water spray in mitigating these laser-induced changes.
Main Methods:
- Human dentin specimens were irradiated using an Er:YAG laser at varying energy levels (300-700 mJ/pulse) with and without water spray.
- Post-irradiation analysis involved X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Main Results:
- XRD revealed no phase changes in irradiated dentin.
- FTIR detected new absorption bands and the disappearance of the OH(-) band at higher laser energies without water spray.
- SEM showed melting and recrystallization of dentin crystals at 500 mJ/pulse without water spray.
Conclusions:
- Er:YAG laser irradiation of dentin, particularly with water spray, does not significantly alter its structure or composition.
- Water cooling is essential for mitigating thermal effects and preserving dentin integrity during Er:YAG laser application.