Chemical Analysis of Femtosecond Laser Irradiated Enamel

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the chemical alterations in enamel after femtosecond laser irradiation. Material and Methods: Fifteen permanent molars were used in the experiment, with 3x3 mm² areas prepared on the buccal surfaces of each tooth. These areas were irradiated using a Ti laser system (800 nm, 90 fs, 1-3 kHz) for 15 seconds. To assess the chemical composition of the samples before and after laser treatment, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) was used. This analysis measured the mean weight percentage (wt%) of minerals including calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), carbon (C), aluminum (Al), oxygen (O), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), and sodium (Na). Results: The mean wt% of all tested minerals were changed. While the change in O, P, Al ions was found to be significant (p < 0.05), the change in Ca, Mg, Na, C was found to be insignificant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our results indicate that femtosecond laser irradiation influences the mineral composition of the enamel.