Effects of Er:YAG laser irradiation on human dentin: polarizing microscopic, light microscopic and microradiographic observations, and FT-IR analysis

Lasers Surg Med. 2002;31(3):171-6. doi: 10.1002/lsm.10061.

Abstract

Background and objectives: The effects of Er:YAG laser irradiation on dentin have not been sufficiently investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Er:YAG laser irradiation on dentin.

Study design/materials and methods: After cavities were prepared using Er:YAG laser irradiation or rotary cutting instruments, histological observations of cavity-floor dentin utilizing polarizing microscopy, microradiography and light microscopy, and analysis of composition of cavity-floor dentin using Fourier-transformed (FT-IR) spectrometry were conducted.

Results: In the laser-treated side, a deeply stained basophilic layer was observed. The number of odontoblastic processes present was obviously less in the laser-treated side than in the bur-treated side. FT-IR analysis revealed that compared to the bur-treated side, a broad background peak at around 1,600 cm(-1) was present.

Conclusions: Er:YAG laser irradiation might have denatured the organic materials of dentin.

MeSH terms

  • Basophils / pathology
  • Dental Cavity Preparation / methods
  • Dentin / radiation effects*
  • Dentin / ultrastructure
  • Eosine Yellowish-(YS)
  • Erbium
  • Humans
  • Lasers / adverse effects*
  • Microradiography*
  • Microscopy / methods*
  • Microscopy, Polarization*
  • Odontoblasts / pathology
  • Rosaniline Dyes
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared*
  • Staining and Labeling / methods
  • Tooth / radiation effects
  • Tooth / ultrastructure
  • Yttrium

Substances

  • Rosaniline Dyes
  • carbol-fuchsin solution
  • Yttrium
  • Erbium
  • Eosine Yellowish-(YS)