Er: YAG Laser Assisted Bleaching Procedures Effect on Enamel Topography

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using Er: YAG laser during in-office tooth bleaching on enamel surface. Method: Thirty enamel discs specimens of human anterior teeth and divided into three groups, Group 1: (control) specimens received no bleaching treatment; Group 2: specimens received conventional in-office bleaching treatment using Opalescence Boost PF tooth whitening systems; Group 3: specimens received laser assisted bleaching procedure using low energy Er: YAG laser to assist tested bleaching gels. After bleaching, Specimens were stored for 15 days in artificial saliva. Digital microscope and images analysis used to evaluate surface roughness. Scanning electron micrographs were captured to evaluate enamel surface changes. Data were statistically analyzed using Aasistat 7.6 statistics software with Student t-test. Results Conventional in-office bleached enamel showed statistically significant higher enamel surface roughness than unbleached enamel surface with changes in enamel surface morphology were observed. While ER: YAG laser assisted bleached enamel, surfaces showed non-statistically significant higher enamel surface roughness than unbleached enamel surface with minor changes in enamel surface morphology were observed. Conclusions: Tested laser assisted bleaching procedures showed safely enamel surface treatment than conventional in-office bleaching procedures.