ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The potential benefits of the effects of lasers on dental tissues have yet to be realized but may be brought closer through the availability of a suitable laser. The objective of this project is to examine the surface morphological changes resulting from hydrogen fluoride (HF) laser radiation on tooth and restorative material surfaces. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hydrogen fluoride laser emitting at 2.9 microns is used to interact with a range of dental hard tissue and restorative materials. The surface morphological changes induced by 100 mJ pulses of < 1 microsecond duration is studied using a SEM. RESULTS: The irradiated surfaces displayed microstructures similar to those of a mechanically fractured surface with no evidence of melting. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that tissue is removed by microexplosion, leaving a surface free from thermal damage with surface characteristics that would appear to facilitate the adhesion of restorative materials.
