Output details
15 - General Engineering
University of Leeds
Characterization of Rare-Earth Oxide Photoactivated Calcium Phosphate Minerals for Resurfacing Teeth
The publication reports for the first time the application of a near-infrared femtosecond laser (1520nm) for restoring acid-eroded and worn tooth enamel. Enamel mineral synthesis with Al3+, rare-earth(3+), and F- ions was demonstrated for application on acid-eroded teeth to enable adhesion and bonding with natural enamel during femtosecond laser irradiation. The ex-vivo research demonstrated a >10µm thick occlusion layer of synthetic acid-resistant mineral over exposed dentine within 120 seconds of femtosecond laser irradiation. The research has now progressed to micro-engineering via laser materials system integration for pre-clinical dental and bone research trials, supported by EPSRC (EP/K020234/1) and TSB (TS/L004070/1), respectively.