Laser etching of enamel for direct bonding with an Er,Cr:YSGG hydrokinetic laser system.

The advantages of air-abrasive technology are discussed. Air-abrasive technology has re-emerged in dentistry. The history, characteristics and clinical applications of this approach are reviewed, including advantages and limitations for the removal of stain, enamel, dentin and decay. Air-abrasive technology may be especially suited for use in bonded restorations.

Air-Abrasive Technology: Its new role in restorative dentistry

The air-abrasion technique versus the conventional acid-etching technique: A quantification of surface enamel loss and a comparison of shear bond strength.

Objective: The aim of this in vitro study was to assess microleakage underneath a filled pit-and-fissure sealant bonded to occlusal surfaces treated by four enamel etching techniques. Summary Background Data: There has been no report of a study assessing microleakage of a pit-and-fissure sealant, comparing acid-etching, Er:YAG laser and air-abrasion for treating enamel surface. Methods: Forty extracted human third molars were selected and randomly assigned into four groups of ten teeth: group I, the occlusal surfaces were acid-etched; group II, a very short pulsed Er:YAG laser was used to treat the surfaces; group III, aluminum oxide air-abrasion was associated with acid-etching; group IV, Er:YAG laser was associated with acid-conditioning. The surfaces were sealed and the teeth were stored for 7 days in distilled water. Then, specimens were thermocycled, immersed in a 0.2% rhodamine solution, sectioned, and analyzed for leakage using an optical microscope connected to a video camera. The images were digi...

Microleakage of a Resin Sealant after Acid-Etching, Er:YAG Laser Irradiation and Air-Abrasion of Pits and Fissures

Improvements are provided for a dental air abrasive system of the type which utilizes a compressed gas or air which creates a gas stream. Abrasive particles are introduced into the gas stream and expelled out through one end of a nozzle whereupon the abrasive laden gas stream impinges upon the target, i.e. tooth amalgam, composites, stain and/or tooth dental filling materials. The improvements include the use of two or more hoppers each containing different sized abrasive particles, which are selectively fed, either together or independently of each other, into the gas stream. Different sized abrasive particles are provided in each hopper for cutting different types of tooth structures. Other improvements include the use of fluorescent and/or colored abrasive particles to facilitate the aiming process, a laser beam, strobe, white light or other illuminating means for aiming the abrasive stream and/or illuminating the target area as well as a disposable nozzle for hygienic reasons. Other improvements include the use of a vacuum evacuation system to minimize dusting of the abrasive particles, as well as a dam removably positioned within the patient's mouth which reflects the abrasive particles back towards the evacuation system. Still other improvements include the use of a microvalve adjacent the nozzle which, when closed, terminates gas flow through the fluid passageway in order to further minimize dusting of the abrasive particles.

Polimus Mm

Papers

Airbrasive etching of the enamel surface.