Dental Materials Journal
Online ISSN : 1881-1361
Print ISSN : 0287-4547
ISSN-L : 0287-4547
Nd:YAG Laser Ablation and Acid Resistance of Enamel
Yong Hoon KWONOh-Won KWONHyung-Il KIMKyo-Han KIM
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2003 Volume 22 Issue 3 Pages 404-411

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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 β-tricalcium phosphate (β-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.

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© The Japanese Society for Dental Materials and Devices
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