Safe and efficient dental cavity preparation by applying a gradient-in-power approach from Er,Cr:YSGG laser: an in-vitro study

Abstract

In this in-vitro study, a gradient-in-power approach aims to ensure no temperature elevation beyond the necrosis limit (5.5 °C) during laser cavity preparation of dental hard tissues. The applied optimal Er,Cr:YSGG laser parameters were: 20 Hz pulse repetition rates (prr), average powers at a maximum of 5.5 W for enamel switched to a maximum of 3.5 W for dentine surface specimens. A fabricated fast-response all-optical fiber sensor was used to monitor temperature change simultaneously. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to assess the irradiated surfaces. Holes of 500 µm in depth were obtained with no morphological and chemical alterations.