Mercury vapor release from dental amalgam after laser treatment.

The aim of this in vitro study was to determine whether the treatment of amalgam with different lasers leads to an increased release of mercury (Hg) vapor. In the case of CO2-lasers in pulse and continuous-wave mode, there was no effect visible on the amalgam surface and no Hg vapor could be detected. Using an Nd:YAG, Er:YAG or Nd:YLF laser, crater formation could be observed on the amalgam surfaces. With the solid state lasers tested, however, the Hg vapor measurements taken indicated that pulses applied to amalgam cause a substantially increased release of Hg vapor. This vapor may contribute to the patient's total mercury exposure.