Date of Award
Spring 1999
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Dentistry
First Advisor
Gonzalez, Cesar
Second Advisor
Barron, Joe
Third Advisor
Post, A. C.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to define parameters to attain a consistent etch of human enamel equal in quality to an acid etch using scanning electron microscope evaluation. Forty-five extracted, noncarious, human teeth were divided into three sample groups for examination. Each tooth had four windows cut into the buccal surface, two were for laser etching, one served as acid etch control, and one as unetched enamel. Laser exposures were at 5W .05 sec, 10W .01sec, and 10W .02sec with a Luxar CO2 laser. A .8mm focal spot was used throughout Scanning electron microscope (SEM) exam was performed at 75x and 1200x. SEM exam revealed that all samples had some degree of etch. However, all samples showed inconsistency of etch across the focal spot, as well as fusion, crazing, cratering and surface debris. The results of this study indicate that a consistent etch with CO2 laser can not be attained at the parameters set forth in this study.
Recommended Citation
Eggers-Ulve, Heidi L., "Etching of Enamel With a CO₂ Laser: An in Vitro Study Using Evaluation with a Scanning Electron Microscope" (1999). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 5162.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/5162