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Tooth bleaching with nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma
Hyun Woo Lee1, Gon Jun Kim, Jae Moon Kim
1Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang.
Journal of Endodontics
|April 7, 2009
Summary
Room temperature plasma significantly enhances tooth bleaching when combined with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This nonthermal plasma treatment removes tooth surface proteins and boosts hydroxyl radical production, tripling bleaching efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Dental Science
- Plasma Physics
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Tooth discoloration is a common aesthetic concern.
- Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a standard tooth bleaching agent.
- Improving the efficacy and efficiency of H2O2-based bleaching is desirable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of nonthermal atmospheric pressure helium plasma to enhance tooth bleaching.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which plasma improves H2O2 bleaching efficacy.
Main Methods:
- A helium plasma jet device was used to treat teeth alongside H2O2.
- Experimental and control groups were established: plasma + H2O2 vs. H2O2 alone.
- Tooth surface protein removal was assessed using SEM and Ponceau staining.
- Hydroxyl radical (.OH) production was quantified via electron spin resonance (ESR) spin-trapping.
Main Results:
- Combining plasma with H2O2 resulted in a threefold increase in bleaching efficacy compared to H2O2 alone.
- Plasma treatment effectively removed tooth surface proteins.
- Plasma treatment increased hydroxyl radical production by 1.9 times in the presence of H2O2.
Conclusions:
- Nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma is a viable adjunct for enhancing tooth bleaching with H2O2.
- The enhanced bleaching effect is attributed to plasma-induced removal of tooth surface proteins and increased hydroxyl radical generation.
