Nd:YAG laser ablation and acid resistance of enamel

Dent Mater J. 2003 Sep;22(3):404-11. doi: 10.4012/dmj.22.404.

Abstract

The acid resistance of Nd:YAG laser-ablated enamel surfaces was studied by evaluating crystal structure, mineral distribution, and fluorescence radiance and image in the present study. For comparison, 37% phosphoric acid etching was performed. The formation of beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) was confirmed in the laser-ablated surface. The Ca/P ratio increased after ablation due to mineral re-distribution. In contrast, the Ca/P ratio decreased after acid etching due to mineral loss. The laser-ablated enamels showed a smaller increase of fluorescence radiances and less clear laser confocal scanning microscope images than those observed in the acid-etched enamels. The former suggests a minimized mineral loss. The Nd:YAG laser irradiation will enhance the acid resistance and retard the carious progression in enamel.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Acids
  • Aluminum Silicates
  • Calcium / analysis
  • Calcium Phosphates / radiation effects
  • Crystallography
  • Dental Enamel / drug effects
  • Dental Enamel / radiation effects*
  • Dental Enamel Solubility / drug effects
  • Dental Enamel Solubility / radiation effects*
  • Electron Probe Microanalysis
  • Fluorescence
  • Humans
  • Lasers*
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Minerals / analysis
  • Neodymium
  • Phosphoric Acids / pharmacology
  • Phosphorus / analysis
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman
  • Tooth Demineralization / metabolism
  • X-Ray Diffraction
  • Yttrium

Substances

  • Acids
  • Aluminum Silicates
  • Calcium Phosphates
  • Minerals
  • Phosphoric Acids
  • beta-tricalcium phosphate
  • Phosphorus
  • Neodymium
  • Yttrium
  • tricalcium phosphate
  • Calcium