Removal of laminates with Er,Cr:YSGG laser from dental enamel submitted to gamma radiation

Abstract

Background: Modern Dentistry is characterized by the search for aesthetic perfection in the smile. Many efforts are made regarding procedures related to manufacturing, cementing, maintenance and removal of ceramic laminates. The laser removal of laminates has become more frequent when the aesthetical procedures needs to be replaced. On the other hand, the head and neck cancer treatment causes comorbidities in the buccal environment when laminates are in place. Objective: To evaluate in vitro the removal of ceramic fragments by means of Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation, after gamma radiation. Methods: 20 Lithium disilicate veneers were cemented with Variolink to human dental enamel and then samples were irradiated with 0.07 kGy. After gamma irradiation, the laminates removal with Er,Cr:YSGG laser was performed. The control group was not subjected to gamma radiation. Dental enamel samples were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Surface Microhardness Loss (SMH). Results: SEM has shown that less cement was found after removal of the facets in gamma irradiated group when compared to the control. For both groups there was alteration of the SMH possibly due to the use of the adhesive system. When performed intra group analysis, the sample being its own control of baseline in the FTIR analysis, there were no band shifts or formation of new compounds on the surface of human dental enamel. Conclusions: The Er,Cr:YSGG laser is an effective alternative for laminates removal in human dental enamel even when it is subjected to gamma radiation.