Morphological changes induced by short pulse hydrogen fluoride laser radiation on dental hard tissue and restorative materials
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1Department of Dental Health, Dental School, University of Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Background And Objective:
The potential benefits of the effects of lasers on dental tissues have yet to be realized but may be brought closer through the availability of a suitable laser. The objective of this project is to examine the surface morphological changes resulting from hydrogen fluoride (HF) laser radiation on tooth and restorative material surfaces.
Study Design/Materials And Methods:
A hydrogen fluoride laser emitting at 2.9 microns is used to interact with a range of dental hard tissue and restorative materials. The surface morphological changes induced by 100 mJ pulses of < 1 microsecond duration is studied using a SEM.
Results:
The irradiated surfaces displayed microstructures similar to those of a mechanically fractured surface with no evidence of melting.
Conclusion:
This study suggests that tissue is removed by microexplosion, leaving a surface free from thermal damage with surface characteristics that would appear to facilitate the adhesion of restorative materials.
