Ablation of Dental Glass lonomer Cement Using Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet Laser

The reaction of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) with 1064 nm wavelength towards glass ionomer cement (GIC) is studied. Conventional clinical methods for GIC dental filling removal are time consuming, uncontrolled drill size penetration, and unfavourable surgery comfortability due to the GIC properties. In this study, we proposed the use of Nd:YAG laser as a new alternative solution for GIC dental removal. The potential effect of laser irradiation on the GIC which is normally used for tooth filling is evaluated. The Nd:YAG laser was used to remove the GIC dental material on enamel surface. The irradiation process was done with four different energy level that are 100 mJ, 130 mJ. 160 mJ and 200 mJ. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis was performed to evaluate the morphology and surface deformation of the GIC restorative material while Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) was used to analyse the chemical characteristics of GIC material after laser irradiation. Crater diameter was measured to access changes of different energy level laser irradiation. Based on experimental outcome, the GIC treated teeth surface irradiated by Nd:YAG laser shows texture alteration from smooth to porous surface. The resultant crater diameter sizes were found to be changed and responded accordingly to laser energy setting level. This research paper show, the use of Nd:YAG laser can improve the GIC material removal procedure at precise sizes of penetration and shorter removal time. Results suggested that Nd:YAG laser could be an alternative method for GIC removal in dental restoration.