Enamel fusion using a carbon dioxide laser: A technique for sealing pits and fissures

Journal Article · Wed May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1991 · Clinical Preventive Dentistry; (United States)

OSTI ID:5226453

Walsh, L J; Perham, S J ^[1]

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1. University of Queensland Dental School, Brisbane (England)

The well-established enhanced resistance of lased enamel to demineralization is the basis for clinical application of the carbon dioxide laser to caries prevention. This in vitro study examined the effect of focused infrared laser radiation on sound enamel and early pit and fissure caries. Low power levels (2-5 W) induced localized melting and resolidification of enamel with little surface destruction. For sound fissures, fusion of enamel from the lateral walls of the fissure eliminated the fissure space, providing a sealant effect; while in carious fissures, carious enamel was vaporized and adjacent sound enamel fused to partially eliminate the defect. The technique for enamel fusion using CO2 lasers has potential application for sealing pits and fissures and producing physicochemical alterations in enamel which may have preventive benefits.

• OSTI ID: 5226453
• Journal Information: Clinical Preventive Dentistry; (United States), Vol. 13:3; ISSN 0163-9633
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
LASER RADIATION
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
TEETH
MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES
CARBON DIOXIDE LASERS
CARIES
DENTISTRY
ENAMELS
COATINGS
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
GAS LASERS
LASERS
MEDICINE
ORAL CAVITY
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
RADIATIONS
560400* - Other Environmental Pollutant Effects