Dentin surface modification using the Er,Cr:YSGG laser and a meshwork mask: light and SEM microscopic observations
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Jang-Ching Chou1, Shinn-Jyh Ding, Chun-Cheng Chen
1Department of Prosthodontics, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
Objective:
We have developed a novel technique of utilizing a stainless steel meshwork mask during treatment of dentin with the Er,Cr:YSGG laser. It is the purpose of this study to observe the surface modifications produced by this method.
Background Data:
Many techniques have been developed to facilitate bonding of various materials to dentin. However, an optimal bond has not yet been achieved.
Methods:
Four teeth ground to dentin were randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1: Er,Cr:YSGG laser treatment; and Group 2: laser treatment while a 100 μm aperture stainless steel mesh was situated over the dentinal surface.
Results:
Group 1 samples appeared rugged but relatively flat. Group 2 samples presented a surface with uniformly aligned craters ∼100 μm wide, 150 μm deep.
Conclusions:
Masking the dentinal surface with a stainless steel mesh during laser irradiation produces a surface texture that appears to facilitate mechanical retention.
