Effect of energy and pulse repetition rate of Er: YAG laser on dentin ablation ability and morphological analysis of the laser-irradiated substrate.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of energy and pulse repetition rate of the Er:YAG laser (2.94 microm) on dentin ablation ability and substrate morphology. BACKGROUND DATA: Previous studies have demonstrated the ability of the Er:YAG laser for ablating dentin substrate. METHODS: Fifteen crowns of molars were sectioned in four fragments, providing 60 samples, which were ground to expose dentin. Initial mass was obtained by weighing the fragments. Twelve groups were randomly formed, according to the combination of laser energies (200, 250, 300, and 350 mJ) and pulse repetition rates (2, 3, and 4 Hz), usually advised for cavity preparation. The final mass was obtained, and dentin mass loss was calculated by the difference between the final and initial mass. Afterwards, specimens were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Scheffé test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Pulse repetition rate of 4 Hz was statistically similar to 3 Hz, and laser energy of 350 mJ was statistically similar to 300 mJ. Increased pulse repetition rates provided higher ablation depth and slight enlargement of dentinal tubules, whereas increased energies yielded greater ablation of intertubular dentin. CONCLUSION: The ablation ability of the Er:YAG laser on dentin raised with the increase of energy and/or pulse repetition rate, the latter exhibiting a stronger influence on mass loss rate and on morphological alterations.

Influence of Er:YAG laser irradiation distance on the bond strength of a restorative system to enamel.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate in vitro the effect of Er:YAG laser on bonding to enamel, varying the irradiation distance. METHOD: Tensile bond strength of an adhesive restorative system to non-irradiated and irradiated enamel surfaces was evaluated. Thirty caries-free human third molars were sectioned in mesio-distal direction and embedded in acrylic resin. Enamel was flattened, and a 3-mm-diameter bonding area was demarcated. Specimens were randomly assigned into six groups: groups I-V were treated with the Er:YAG laser (80 mJ/2 Hz), varying the irradiation distance (11, 12 mm-focused, 14, 16 and 17 mm, respectively), followed by 35% phosphoric acid etching. Control group (VI) received treatment with phosphoric acid alone. Single Bond adhesive system was applied on the conditioned enamel, and composite resin cones, bonded to enamel, were fabricated with Z250. After storage, samples were tested in tensile to failure (50 kgf and 0.5 mm/min). RESULTS: Means in MPa were: I-9.67 (+/-3.44); II-13.29 (+/-2.65); III-13.33 (+/-2.22); IV-14.87 (+/-3.58); V-16.43 (+/-4.52); VI-22.90 (+/-3.03). ANOVA and Tukey test revealed statistically significant decrease of bond strength in group I (P < 0.05). Groups II-IV presented similar results, as did groups IV and V. Control group (VI) yielded the best overall performance (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Er:YAG laser irradiation adversely affected adhesion to enamel. However, bond strength was influenced by the irradiation distance, thus being stronger with the increase of distance to the target tissue.

Influence of Er:YAG laser on tensile bond strength of a self-etching system and a flowable resin in different dentin depths.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the tensile resistance of a flowable resin in different dentin depths, after superficial treatment with Er:YAG laser. METHODS: Eighteen molars were selected and roots were removed. Crowns were bisected in half, embedded in polyester resin and ground until dentin was exposed. The bonding site was delimited and samples were randomly assigned into two groups: superficial dentin (SD--1 mm from amelodentinal junction) and deep dentin (DD--2 mm from amelodentinal junction). The samples were subdivided in three groups according to superficial treatment: non-rinsing conditioner (NRC) solely; Er:YAG laser (80 mJ/2 Hz)+NRC; Er:YAG laser solely. After conditioning, Prime and Bond NT/Dyract flow (Dentsply) was used for the manufacture of specimens. They were adapted to a metallic device, where resin cones were prepared. Samples were stored for 24 h and subjected to a bond strength test (50 kgf at 0.5 mm/min). RESULTS: Means in MPa were: SD-NRC solely 12.29 (+/-4.40); laser+NRC 12.11(+/-3.23); laser solely 5.74(+/-3.01) and DD-NRC solely 9.60 (+/-3.13); laser+NRC 10.44(+/-2.23); laser solely 3.50(+/-1.70). Data were submitted to statistical analysis by ANOVA and Scheffé test (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SD produced better results and tensile bond strength, while on DD the treatment with NRC or Laser+NRC had higher tensile bond strength. The results suggest that when Er:YAG laser for dentin treatment is used, it is mandatory to associate it to a conditioning agent.