BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this investigation to determine the range of morphological and ablative effects that can be achieved on dental enamel and dentin using ArF excimer laser irradiation at a wavelength of 193nm. STUDY DESIGN/ MATERIALS AND METHODS: Caries-free coronal enamel and dentin surfaces of 20 extracted human teeth were subjected to irradiation at 193nm using a Lamda-Physik model EMG 103 MSC and ArF fill. Morphology of cavity floors and walls were assessed by light microscopy and SEM. RESULTS: Morphological surface effects and ablation could be controlled effectively and reliably by choice of parameter combination, allowing the operator to achieve either a smooth, flat, or increasingly rough surface with differing degrees of selective ablation. No signs of thermal damage were apparent. CONCLUSION: Excimer laser irradiation at 193nm provided clinically useful cavity preparations and surface morphological effects.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this investigation to determine the range of morphological and ablative effects that can be achieved on dental enamel and dentin using ArF excimer laser irradiation at a wavelength of 193nm. STUDY DESIGN/ MATERIALS AND METHODS: Caries-free coronal enamel and dentin surfaces of 20 extracted human teeth were subjected to irradiation at 193nm using a Lamda-Physik model EMG 103 MSC and ArF fill. Morphology of cavity floors and walls were assessed by light microscopy and SEM. RESULTS: Morphological surface effects and ablation could be controlled effectively and reliably by choice of parameter combination, allowing the operator to achieve either a smooth, flat, or increasingly rough surface with differing degrees of selective ablation. No signs of thermal damage were apparent. CONCLUSION: Excimer laser irradiation at 193nm provided clinically useful cavity preparations and surface morphological effects.