THE EFFECT OF $CO_2$ LASER IRRADIATION ON ENAMEL SURFACE AND THE BOND STRENGTH OF SEALANT MATERIAL

탄산가스 레이저 조사가 법랑질 표면구조와 치면열구 전색재의 결합강도에 미치는 효과

In this study, attempt has been made to evaluate the effect of $CO_2$ laser irradiation on enamel surface structure and the bond strength of sealant material. Conventional acid etching was used as a control technic for comparison. The results obtained from this experiment were as follows; 1. The highest mean shear bond strength value was observed in samples of Group I (acid-etching) with the statistical significance(p<.05) between all the other groups. 2. The shear bond strength in Group IV was the lowest among laser etching groups. but there were no significant difference between them(p>.05). 3. Scanning electron microscopic observation showed that the rough and irregular surface was created by $CO_2$ laser treatment with the formation of numerous pores, micro-cracks, and small bubble-like inclusion. Increasing the energy density induced localized surface melt with a thin smooth glaze-like appearance. 4. In acid-etched control specimen cohesive failure predominated, whereas adhesive failure was the main mode in laser-treated group. Based upon the above-mentioned results, it can be assumed that the $CO_2$ laser is not an adequate substitute for the acid-etch technique in enamel preconditioning. More studies are required to explore the effective condition of laser irradiation which could attain the better bond strength of restorative materials.