Evaluation of changes on dentin mineral components after surface preparation for adhesive restoration by X-ray fluorescence

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate, in-vitro, the effects of acid etching and Er:YAG laser irradiation (120 mJ, 3 Hz) on dentin mineral component for restoration. Fifteen healthy bovine incisors teeth were sectioned and the surfaces were divided, schematically, in four different areas for treatment: etching with 37% phosphoric acid (Control group-CG); Er:YAG laser 80mJ, 153 pulses (Group I); Er:YAG laser 120mJ, 103 pulses (Group II), and Er:YAG 180mJ, 70 pulses (Group III). The samples were analyzed before and after the treatments by X-Ray fluorescence spectrometry. The acid etching treatment of the surfaces reduced significantly the mineral component of the dentin. The Er:YAG laser treatment of the surfaces with 180 mJ affected the hydroxyapatite stoichiometry.