Optimization of Humid Conditions Using an Ultrasonic Nebulizer for the Fabrication of Hydroxyapatite Film with the EnYAG Laser Deposition Method

摘要

Restoration and maintenance of tooth substance are primary concerns in operative dentistry. Intact tooth is mainly composed of hydroxyapatite (HAp). However, there are no practical HAp materials for the treatment of tooth decay and hypersensitivity. We have newly proposed and developed a tooth restoration technique with intraoral laser ablation using an Er: YAG laser in order to form the HAp thin film on tooth surface in the atmosphere at room temperature. However, the fabricated HAp film is not uniform for the present due to the unsettled water condition at the material surface during the laser ablation. In the present study, we tried to optimize the humid condition using a nebulizer for the fabrication of HAp layer with the EnYAG laser deposition method. The HAp layers were fabricated on a titanium substrate while changing the flow rate of water mist in order to determine the relationship between the spraying amount and the HAp layer structure. It is revealed that there exists the optimal humid condition to fabricate the uniform hydroxyapatite coating film with the Er:YAG laser deposition method.