Phase, compositional, and morphological changes of human dentin after Nd:YAG laser treatment

J Endod. 2001 Jun;27(6):389-93. doi: 10.1097/00004770-200106000-00004.

Abstract

Although techniques for repairing root fracture have been proposed, the prognosis is generally poor. If the fusion of a root fracture by laser is possible, it will offer an alternative to extraction. Our group has attempted to use lasers to fuse a low melting-point bioactive glass to fractured dentin. This report is focused on the phase, compositional, and morphological changes observed by means of X-ray diffractometer, Fourier transforming infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in human dentin after exposure to Nd:YAG laser. The irradiation energies were from 150 mJ/ pulse-10 pps-4 s to 150 mJ/pulse-30 pps-4 s. After exposure to Nd:YAG laser, dentin showed four peaks on the X-ray diffractometer that corresponding to a-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and beta-TCP at 20 = 30.78 degrees/34.21 degrees and 32.47 degrees/33.05 degrees, respectively. The peaks of a-TCP and beta-TCP gradually increased in intensity with the elevation of irradiation energy. In Fourier transforming infrared analysis, two absorption bands at 2200 cm(-1) and 2015 cm(-1) could be traced on dentin treated by Nd:YAG laser with the irradiation energies beyond 150 mJ/pulse-10 pps-4 s. The energy dispersive X-ray results showed that the calcium/phosphorus ratios of the irradiated area proportionally increased with the elevation of irradiation energy. The laser energies of 150 mJ/ pulse-30 pps-4 s and 150 mJ/pulse-20 pps-4 s could result in the a-TCP formation and collagen breakdown. However, the formation of glass-like melted substances without a-TCP at the irradiated site was induced by the energy output of 150 mJ/ pulse-10 pps-4 s. Scanning electron micrographs also revealed that the laser energy of 150 mJ/ pulse-10 pps-4 s was sufficient to prompt melting and recrystallization of dentin crystals without cracking. Therefore, we suggest that the irradiation energy of Nd:YAG laser used to fuse a low melting-point bioactive glass to dentin is 150 mJ/ pulse-10 pps-4 s.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aluminum Silicates
  • Biocompatible Materials / radiation effects
  • Biocompatible Materials / therapeutic use
  • Calcium / analysis
  • Calcium Phosphates / analysis
  • Calcium Phosphates / radiation effects
  • Calcium Phosphates / therapeutic use
  • Collagen / analysis
  • Crystallization
  • Dentin / chemistry
  • Dentin / injuries
  • Dentin / radiation effects*
  • Dentin / ultrastructure
  • Electron Probe Microanalysis
  • Glass / radiation effects
  • Humans
  • Laser Therapy*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Neodymium
  • Phosphorus / analysis
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
  • Tooth Fractures / therapy
  • Tooth Root / injuries
  • X-Ray Diffraction
  • Yttrium

Substances

  • Aluminum Silicates
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Calcium Phosphates
  • alpha-tricalcium phosphate
  • beta-tricalcium phosphate
  • tetracalcium phosphate
  • Phosphorus
  • Neodymium
  • Yttrium
  • calcium phosphate, monobasic, anhydrous
  • Collagen
  • calcium phosphate
  • tricalcium phosphate
  • calcium phosphate, dibasic, anhydrous
  • Calcium