[Preparation of hard tooth structure with Excimer lasers]

In this study the possible application of photoablation with an Excimer UV laser for the creation of retentive surfaces was studied as an alternative to conventional enamel conditioning methods using acids. Surfaces of untreated enamel and of prepared cavities were irradiated with an argon fluoride Excimer laser at a wavelength of 193nm and evaluated in a scanning electron microscope. The bond strength of composites to these surfaces was measured in tear tests. "Laser conditioning" left the surfaces similarly roughened as chemical etching. The variable extension of the laser field allows a sharp delineation of the area to be conditioned. The tear tests with human tooth enamel showed bond strength values corresponding to approx. 75% of those obtained by acid etching techniques. The question if these bonds are durable is the subject of current studies.