The effect of Nd:YAG pulse duration on dentine crater depth

Influence of external cooling on the femtosecond laser ablation of dentin

In the present work, the influence of external cooling on the temperature rise in the tooth pulpal chamber during femtosecond laser ablation was investigated. The influence of the cooling method on the morphology and constitution of the laser-treated surfaces was studied as well. The ablation experiments were performed on dentin specimens using an Yb:KYW chirped-pulse-regenerative amplification laser system (560 fs, 1030 nm). Cavities were created by scanning the specimens at a velocity of 5 mm/s while pulsing the stationary laser beam at 1 kHz and with fluences in the range of 2-14 J/cm². The experiments were performed in air and with surface cooling by a lateral air jet and by a combination of an air jet and water irrigation. The temperature in the pulpal chamber of the tooth was measured during the laser experiments. The ablation surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The temperature rise reached 17.5 °C for the treatments performed with 14 J/cm² and without cooling, which was reduced to 10.8 ± 1.0 and 6.6 ± 2.3 °C with forced air cooling and water cooling, respectively, without significant reduction of the ablation rate. The ablation surfaces were covered by ablation debris and resolidified droplets containing mainly amorphous calcium phosphate, but the amount of redeposited debris was much lower for the water-cooled specimens. The redeposited debris could be removed by ultrasonication, revealing that the structure and constitution of the tissue remained essentially unaltered. The present results show that water cooling is mandatory for the femtosecond laser treatment of dentin, in particular, when high fluences and high pulse repetition rates are used to achieve high material removal rates.

Surgical lasers and hard dental tissue

The cutting of dental hard tissue during restorative procedures presents considerable demands on the ability to selectively remove diseased carious tissue, obtain outline and retention form and maintain the integrity of supporting tooth tissue without structural weakening. In addition, the requirement to preserve healthy tissue and prevent further breakdown of the restoration places the choice of instrumentation and clinical technique as prime factors for the dental surgeon. The quest for an alternative treatment modality to the conventional dental turbine has been, essentially, patient-driven and has led to the development of various mechanical and chemical devices. The review of the literature has endorsed the beneficial effects of current laser machines. However utopian, there is additional evidence to support the development of ultra-short (nano- and femto-second) pulsed lasers that are stable in use and commercially viable, to deliver more efficient hard tissue ablation with less risk of collateral thermal damage. This paper explores the interaction of laser energy with dental hard tissues and bone and the integration of current laser wavelengths into restorative and surgical dentistry.

Spectroscopic alterations on enamel and dentin after nanosecond Nd:YAG laser irradiation

Laser irradiation on hard tissue has produced a resistant surface that is likely to prevent caries. In this study, human enamel and dentine were exposed to nanosecond pulsed Nd:YAG laser with energy densities of 20-40 J/cm(2) and pulse width of 6 ns inducing chemical changes in these tissues. Infrared analysis of human dental enamel and dentine was performed using the KBr method (2mg sample/300 mg KBr). A correlation between non-lased and lased spectra was performed that gives an indication of the changes in organic and inorganic compounds after laser-tissue interaction. Spectra of teeth simultaneously show the inorganic and organic parts of the tissue. The principal bands: amide bands A, I, II, and III from the collagen-matrix, phosphate from the mineral content, and carbonate bands were identified. The normalized area of peak versus peak position was determined. Changes of the bands attributed to the collagen matrix were verified after Nd:YAG irradiation. The present results suggest a chemical modification of organic and mineral compounds by laser. The spectral results indicated an alteration in the absorption bands relative to, essentially, organic compounds.

Effects of Pulsed Nd:YAG Laser on Microleakage of Composite Restorations in Class V Cavities

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of pulsed Nd:YAG laser on decrease of dentinal microleakage beneath the restoration.

METHODS

Thirty-two sound extracted premolar teeth were subjected to two standardized, V-shaped, class V cavity preparations on both buccal and lingual surfaces. Cavities were located at 1-2 mm below the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) line. The teeth were divided into two groups of experimental and control in an random manner. Both 20 and 15 mJ/pulse laser energies were tested. Etching, bonding, and filling were performed using Tetric ceram composite material. All samples were thermocycled for 1000 cycles, followed by an immersing period of 1 week in 2% basic fuchsin solution. Specimens were then sliced longitudinally and evaluated under a digital scanner for the extent of dye penetration.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that the level of microleakage of laser-treated cavities was significantly less than that of untreated cavities (p < 0.05) for 20 mJ/pulse laser energy. No significant decrease in microleakage level was observed for the 15 mJ/pulse laser energy.

CONCLUSION

The short pulsed Nd:YAG laser with the energy of 20 mJ/pulse and aforementioned features appeared to be able to reduce microleakage toward pulp.

Nd:YAG laser influence on microleakage of class V composite restoration

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this research was to evaluate Nd:YAG laser influence on microleakage of class V composite restorations.

BACKGROUND DATA

There are few studies concerning laser with restorative materials, considering microleakage. One more sent.

METHODS

Thirty six cavities were prepared and divided into three groups (n = 12): group 1, control; group 2, Nd:YAG laser irradiation before adhesive technique; group 3, Nd:YAG laser irradiation after adhesive technique was used as the single bottle. Adhesive system Nd:YAG laser parameters were 320 microm of fiberoptic; energy/pulse of 40 mJ of energy/pulse; repetition rate of 15 Hz; power of 0.6 W; pulsed and non-contact, 1 mm from the surface; 30 seconds in scanning mode; energy density was 49.76 J/cm(2). Cavities were restored with microhybrid composite. After having used a polishing technique, thermocycling and impermeabilization procedures were performed and specimens were submitted to a microleakage test consisting of immersion in aqueous solution of 50% silver nitrate for 8 h, in the total absence of light. After washing and drying procedures, teeth were embedded to facilitate buccal-lingual vertical sectioning. Microleakage was revealed by light.

RESULTS

We accomplished Kruskal-Wallis test at 5% level of confidence and observed no statistically significant difference between the tested groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the obtained results, it was possible to conclude that Nd:YAG laser in the parameters used, has no influence on marginal microleakage in composite restorations, independent of the moment the laser was used.

Three-dimensional topographic scanning electron microscope and Raman spectroscopic analyses of the irradiation effect on teeth by Nd:YAG, Er: YAG, and CO2 lasers

A three-dimensional analyzer installed in a scanning electron microscope was used to evaluate the morphology and surface roughness using noncontact profilometry. Observations were carried out on the enamel and dentin surface irradiated by three different lasers: Nd:YAG (wavelength 1.06 microm), Er:YAG (2.94 microm), and CO(2) (10.6 microm). Spectroscopic analysis was done by Raman spectroscopy for nonirradiated and laser-irradiated surfaces. The lasers were applied perpendicularly to vertically sectioned and polished human extracted caries-free molars. The tooth was sectioned at each cavity for cross-section analysis after laser irradiation. Irradiation by Nd:YAG and CO(2) lasers of the enamel surface showed an opaque white color, different from dentin where the surface turned black. The Er:YAG laser induced no changes in color of the dentin. Numerous cracks associated with thermal stress were observed in the CO(2) laser-irradiated dentin. Noncontact surface profile analysis of Er:YAG laser-irradiated enamel and dentin showed the deepest cavities, and direct cross-sectional observations of them showed similar cavity outlines. The CO(2) laser-irradiated dentin had the least surface roughness. Raman spectroscopic analysis showed that fluorescence from the laser-irradiated tooth was generally greater than from nonirradiated teeth. Bands in dentin attributed to organic collagen matrix were lost after Nd:YAG and CO(2) laser irradiation, and a broad peak due to amorphous carbon appeared. The Er:YAG laser-irradiated dentin showed no sign of a carbon band and had more suitable results for dental ablation. Noncontact surface profile analysis was effective to evaluate the structural change in the tooth in the microarea of study after laser irradiation.

Nd:YAG Laser Influence on Microleakage of Class V Composite Restoration

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the influence of the Nd:YAG laser on microleakage of class V composite restorations.

BACKGROUND DATA

There has been very little research that concerns microleakage resulting from the use of lasers and restorative materials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-six cavities were prepared and divided into three groups (n = 12) as follows: Group 1, control; Group 2, Nd:YAG laser irradiation before adhesive technique; Group 3, Nd:YAG laser irradiation after adhesive technique. Nd:YAG laser parameters were 320 micro m of fiberoptics; energy/pulse of 40 mJ of energy/pulse; repetition rate of 15 Hz; power of 0.6 W; pulsed and non-contact, 1 mm from the surface; 30 sec in scanning mode; energy density was 49,76 J/cm(2). Cavities were restored with microhybrid composite. After polishing, thermocycling and impermeabilization procedures were performed and specimens were submitted to a microleakage test, with complete immersion in aqueous solution of 50% silver nitrate for 8 h, in the total absence of light. After washing and drying, teeth were embedded to facilitate buccal-lingual vertical sectioning. Microleakage was revealed by light.

RESULTS

We used the Kruskal-Wallis test at a 5% level of confidence and observed no statistically significant difference among the tested groups.

CONCLUSION

It was possible to conclude that Nd:YAG laser does not influence marginal microleakage on composite restorations, independent of the moment the laser had been used.