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Can We Improve the Laser Etching with the Digitally Controlled Laser Handpiece-Xrunner?
Hilal Yilanci1, Serdar Usumez2, Aslihan Usumez2
11 Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Bezmialem Vakif University , Istanbul, Turkey .
Photomedicine and Laser Surgery
|April 5, 2017
Summary
Laser etching shows potential as an alternative to traditional acid etching for dental restorations, creating similar enamel surface irregularities. Further studies are needed to confirm its long-term clinical success.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Biomaterials engineering
- Laser dentistry
Background:
- Laser etching alters enamel surface characteristics, offering a promising method for conditioning enamel in bonding procedures.
- A novel Er:YAG laser handpiece allows precise digital control over the irradiated enamel area's size, shape, and depth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare shear bond strength (SBS), enamel surface characteristics, and adhesive remnant index (ARI) scores among different dental etching methods.
- To evaluate the efficacy of phosphoric acid, manual Er:YAG laser, manual Er,Cr:YSGG laser, and digitally controlled Er:YAG laser etching techniques.
Main Methods:
- Ninety-eight premolar teeth were divided into four groups for SBS testing: phosphoric acid, manual Er:YAG, manual Er,Cr:YSGG, and digitally controlled Er:YAG lasers.
- SBS values and ARI scores were recorded. Surface morphology was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in mean shear bond strength (SBS) was found among the etching methods (p=0.148).
- The acid etching group exhibited significantly higher adhesive remnant index (ARI) scores (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- All tested etching methods created enamel surface irregularities, restoring the original gloss.
- Laser etching presents a viable alternative to acid etching, though further clinical studies are required to validate its long-term success.