Effect of Q-switched pulses exposure on morphology, hydroxyapatite composition, and microhardness properties of human enamel
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2011
Abstract
Ablation of healthy human enamel is demonstrated using a 8 ns pulses at wavelength of 1064 nm and 10Hz repetition rate from a Q -switched Nd:YAG laser. The ablation result shows that an enhanced structuring quality in comparison with non- Q -switched pulse exposure. The material removal remains localized in the area of the laser spot with no signs of collateral damage and cracks observed. As a comparison, exposure to longer pulses of 120 μs from non- Q -switched Nd:YAG laser increases the composition of hydroxyapatite as well as microhardness property of enamel, which produces a side effect of surface dehydration and crack. This study suggests that the application of Q -switched Nd:YAG laser as contactless drills in dentistry should be regarded as an alternative to the classical mechanical technique to improve the quality of the tooth treatment.
Keywords
Crystal structure, Human enamel, Hydroxyapatite, Laser ablation, Microhardness, Nd:YAG laser
Divisions
fac_eng
Publication Title
Journal of Laser Applications
Volume
23
Issue
3
Publisher
Laser Institute of America