The Prosthodontic Research Laboratory has the experience and expertise to conduct studies involving three-dimensional micro measurement of the surface topography of a sample. The measurement system used is optic in design and uses a Gallium Arsenide laser with a wavelength of 780 nm and a beam diameter of 0.110 mm for data collection in the X, Y, and Z axes of almost any object. In this system, the laser is linked to a 486 based microcomputer with software specifically written to control the laser and digitizing stage to record repeated measurements. The sample is positioned on the digitizers mounting stage that can be programmed for movements in the X and Y axes in increments as small as 0.001 mm.
Data collection is controlled by the operator through an on-line interactive computer program.
For each object being measured, the measurement matrix can be varied with different X and Y incremental intervals and a varied resolution as well. A major advantage with this laser system is the ability to align baseline data and test data to a zero reference plane thereby permitting direct comparisons of the same data point location in a measurement matrix. With this measurement device, investigators have been able to measure the clinical wear of different composite filling materials, the fit of a crown to its respective die, the accuracy and interchangeability of implant component parts, the precision of fit between the implant framework for a long span bridge, and the implant abutments that support the framework.