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To predict the laser ablation profile on dental hard tissue which will enable the user to optimize laser parameters so as to carry out the laser treatment with minimal tissue damage. The present study constructs a mathematical model to predict the ablation profile based on Gaussian beam distribution of laser intensity and correlates the model with experimentally obtained ablation parameters (effective Gaussian beam radius, ablation threshold fluence, and effective energy penetration depth). To obtain the ablation parameters, laser ablation experiments were carried out on dental hard tissues using Ti:Sapphire femtosecond laser (800 nm, 100 fs, 10 kHz). The method is further extended to predict the ablation rate and efficiency as well. The profile predicted from the mathematical model is compared with that of experimental results. It is found that the predicted ablation profile agrees well with the experimental profile for both enamel and dentin except a slight deviation at higher fluence for dentin. The calculated ablation rate is comparable to that of experimental results whereas for ablation efficiency appreciable deviation is observed in the case of dentin. The model succinctly predicts the ablation profile, ablation rate, and ablation efficiency which will enable to perform dental surgery at optimized laser processing conditions with high precision thus reducing the tissue damage appreciably. Once the details of lesion are known through proper diagnostic tools, the method enables the user to readily obtain optimum laser parameters. It can be used as a handy reference for dentists to perform damage-free surgery, ensuring quicker healing.

We aimed at examining the effects of a percentage of air/water in spray on the cutting efficiency of Er,Cr:YSGG laser for enamel and dentin. The intensity and frequency of irradiation were 3.0 W and 20 Hz for the enamel surface and 2.0 W and 20 Hz for the dentin surface, respectively. Flattened surfaces of enamel and dentin were irradiated at nine points for approximately 1 s under various percentages of air/water in spray using Er,Cr:YSGG laser. A high-speed video microscope was used to record each laser irradiation on the tooth surface. A slow video image was used to count the number of water micro-explosions yielded on the tooth surface during laser irradiation. A surface roughness tester was used to measure the depth of the dimple prepared with laser irradiation on each specimen. Each individual depth of dimple was divided by the number of water micro-explosions (pulse). This allowed for the calculation of the cutting depth per pulse. Following laser irradiation, several representative specimens were observed using an SEM. Two-way ANOVA was used as the statistical analysis. This revealed that there was no significant effect of the percentage of air/water in spray on the cutting depth for enamel surface (p > 0.05). On the contrary, a significant effect was observed in air-ratio for dentin cutting (p < 0.05). Both enamel and dentin were characterized by the presence of rough surfaces, as shown by the SEM images of the dimples. The percentage of air/water in spray was not significantly effective in laser cutting for enamel. Air-percentage was significantly effective in laser cutting for dentin.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the effectiveness of a novel Er,Cr:YSGG laser-assisted in-office tooth bleaching method with a conventional method by spectrophotometric analysis of the tooth color change. Furthermore, the influence of the application time of the bleaching gel on the effectiveness of the methods and the maintenance of the results 7 days and 1 month after the treatments were also evaluated. Twenty-four bovine incisors were stained and randomly distributed into four groups. Group 1 specimens received an in-office bleaching treatment with 35% H 2 O 2 for 2 × 15 min. Group 2 specimens received the same treatment but with extended application time (2 × 20 min). In Group 3, the same in-office bleaching procedure (2 × 15 min) was carried out as that in Group 1, using Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation for 2 × 15 s on each specimen to catalyze the reaction of H 2 O 2 breakdown. Group 4 specimens received the same bleaching treatment as Group 3 but with extended application time (2 × 20 min). Er,Cr:YSGG laser-assisted tooth bleaching treatment is more effective than the conventional treatment regarding color change of the teeth. Application time of the bleaching agent may influence the effectiveness of the methods. The color change of the tested treatments decreases after 7 days and 1 month. The clinical relevance of this study is that this novel laser-assisted bleaching treatment may be more advantageous in color change and application time compared to the conventional bleaching treatment.

To evaluate one-session endodontic treatment with aPDT and two-session treatment with calcium hydroxide (CH)-based dressing in dog's teeth with apical periodontitis. After experimental induction of apical periodontitis, 48 teeth were randomly assigned to the following groups: groups OS/aPDT120d and OS/aPDT180d (one-session treatment with aPDT) and groups TS/CH120d and TS/CH180d (two-session treatment with CH-based dressing-control groups). The animals were euthanized after 120 and 180 days. After histotechnical processing, microscopic and radiographic analyses were performed. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher's exact tests (α = 0.05). Groups TS/CHs presented repaired resorbed cemental areas, with collagen bundles and few inflammatory cells. In groups OS/aPDTs, the areas of cemental resorption were not repaired with reduced presence of cells and fibers. In the analysis of the apical closure, fluorescence microscopy and percentage of radiographic reduction of lesions, there was significant difference between groups TS/CH120d and OS/aPDT120d and between TS/CH180d and OS/aPDT180d (p < 0.05). Groups TS/CHs had weak RANKL expression and positive immunostaining for RANK and OPG. In OS/aPDT120d, there was positive immunostaining for RANKL. In OS/aPDT180d, the three osteoclastogenesis markers were expressed. The results using aPDT were worse than those obtained with two-session endodontic treatment using a CH-based dressing in teeth with apical periodontitis.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on tooth sensitivity induced by in-office bleaching. Sixty-six patients enrolled in this randomized clinical trial. Following the in-office procedure with 40% hydrogen peroxide, the participants were randomly divided into three groups. The patients in group 1 received irradiation from a low-level red laser (LLRL; 660 nm, 200 mW, 15 s, 12 J/cm(2)), whereas participants in group 2 were subjected to a low-level infrared laser (LLIL; 810 nm) under similar conditions as in group 1. In group 3 (placebo), the laser treatment was the same as that in groups 1 and 2, but without energy output. The degree of tooth sensitivity was recorded at 1, 24, and 48 h after bleaching using a visual analog scale (VAS). The change in tooth shade was measured 30 days after tooth whitening. The intensity of tooth sensitivity was not significantly different between groups at 1 h after bleaching (p > 0.05). At 24 h after therapy, pain level was significantly lower in the LLIL group compared to the LLRL and placebo groups (p < 0.05). At 48 h after bleaching, VAS scores in the LLIL and LLRL groups were comparable to each other (p > 0.05) and both were significantly lower than that of the placebo group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the efficacy of tooth whitening among groups (p > 0.05). LLLT with an infrared diode laser could be recommended as a suitable strategy to reduce the intensity of tooth sensitivity after in-office bleaching.

The purpose of this pilot in vitro study was to evaluate the temperature increase in the pulp chamber of the teeth, during Er,Cr:YSGG bleaching, as well as to show which teeth are the most susceptible in terms of pulp temperature increase during laser-activated bleaching treatment. Although Er:YAG studies have been published on this subject, it is the first time Er,Cr:YSGG wavelength is tested. Fifteen teeth were tested--3 each of the following--(maxillary central incisors, lateral incisors, canines, premolars and mandibular incisors). The bleaching procedure comprised an Er,Cr:YSGG laser (2780 nm, Waterlase MD, Biolase, USA) and a yellow-coloured bleaching agent with a concentration of 38 % H2O2 (Power whitening, WHITEsmile GmbH, Germany). The tip used was a 6-mm long Z-type glass tip (MZ8) of a 800 μm diameter. Average output power was set to 1.25 W, pulse duration 700 μs (S-mode), whilst the pulse repetition rate was 10 Hz. The results showed that the most susceptible teeth in terms of pulp temperature increase were the lateral maxillary incisors and the mandibular incisors. The mean temperature increase on these teeth was 1.06 and 1.00 °C, respectively, on 60 s Er,Cr:YSGG-supported bleaching.

The aim of this study was to compare the results, in terms of temperature, colour change and morphology, of two different laser wavelengths with two different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (HP). The lasers used were KTP (potassium-titanyl-phosphate) laser (λ = 532 nm (PD = 1.98 W/cm2)) and Er:YAG laser (λ = 2940 nm (PD = 2.54 W/cm2)). The bleaching gels used were PolaOffice 35% HP gel and PolaOffice+ 6% HP gel (SDI, Australia). Thirty-six extracted human teeth were selected and divided into two groups. For the 35% HP treatment, 18 teeth were randomly assigned to three subgroups: (1) HP gel without laser irradiation vs. HP gel + KTP laser irradiation; (2) HP gel without laser irradiation vs. HP gel + Er:YAG irradiation; and (3) HP gel + KTP laser irradiation vs. HP gel + Er:YAG irradiation. The same protocol was used for the 6% HP bleaching treatment. The bleaching results were analysed by a spectrophotometer, the thermal elevation by K thermocouples and the enamel surface by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney test were performed, and the data were analysed using the software StatView and the free Web statistics tool BiostaTGV. The thermal elevation of the Er:YAG groups was higher than KTP, while only the group 35% HP gel vs. 35% HP gel + Er:YAG showed significant colour differences (p < 0.05). SEM photographs showed slight enamel surface morphologic alterations after bleaching treatment. The Er:YAG laser may improve the bleaching results of 35% HP even if it increases the gel temperature, when compared to the KTP laser.

In some well-established laser applications where large spot sizes are used, an array of high-intensity light emitting diodes (LED) emitting at similar wavelength could potentially replace the laser. This situation applies for the photodynamic bleaching of stains in teeth. This study compared the relative efficacy of an array of visible green LED (535 nm ± 15 nm) with a KTP laser in photodynamic bleaching of tetracycline-stained dentine in human tooth roots. After establishing consistent staining in 96 roots using a validated method, the roots were sectioned into 2-3-mm thick horizontal slices that were treated with gels containing rhodamine B (Smartbleach® or Smartbleach® 3LT). Colour changes were tracked up to 1 month after treatment. While both systems were effective in bleaching the tetracycline-stained dentine, KTP laser activation gave greater bleaching efficacy than LED activation, enhancing the action of the gel. Use of the KTP laser would be preferable over an LED system when confronted with tetracycline staining. Use of this photodynamic bleaching method offers valuable means to reduce the severity of tetracycline staining.

It is suggested that pulpal fluid circulation has an impact on pulp temperature increase during heat-generating dental treatment procedures. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess the effect of a simulated pulpal fluid circulation on temperature changes inside the pulp chamber following laser irradiation of the tooth surface. Twenty freshly extracted human multirooted teeth were included and cross-sectioned along the long axis exposing two root canals each. The pulp chamber and root canals were cleaned from remaining soft tissues to achieve access for a temperature sensor and two cannulas to allow fluid circulation. Cross sections were glued together, and the roots were encased with silicone impression material to ensure the position of the connected devices. Each tooth was irradiated by employing a neodymium-doped yttrium orthovanadate (Nd:YVO4) laser at 1,064 nm with a pulse duration of 9 ps and a repetition rate of 500 kHz. A commercially available scanning system (SCANcube 7, SCANLAB) deflected the beam by providing rectangular irradiated areas of 0.5 mm edge length. Measurements were performed with four different settings for fluid circulation: without any water and with water (23 °C) at a flow rate of 6, 3, and 0 ml/min. The primary outcome measure was the maximum temperature difference (ΔT) after laser irradiation. Highest temperature changes (median 3.6 K, range 0.5-7.1 K) could be observed without any fluid inside the pulp chamber. Water without circulation decreased ΔT values statistically significantly (median 1.4 K, range 0.2-4.9 K) (p < 0.05). Lowest temperature changes could be observed with a water flow rate of 6 ml/min (median 0.8 K, range 0.2-3.7 K) (p < 0.05). Pulpal fluid circulation has a cooling effect on temperature increase caused by laser irradiation of dental hard tissues. Studies on heat generation during dental treatment procedures should include this aspect to assess a potential thermal injury of pulp tissue.

Nowadays, bleaching of the teeth within the dental office is one of the most widespread techniques to correct tooth discoloration. Variability of the materials and techniques accompanied with the trend toward esthetic restorations with minimally invasive approaches are increasing. The use of laser in this regard has also been taken into consideration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of in-office versus laser bleaching on surface roughness of enamel. Fifteen freshly extracted human molars were sectioned mesiodistally to produce 30 lingual and buccal enamel blocks. Samples were mounted in transparent acrylic resin blocks and polished before treatment. Samples were randomly assigned to laser bleaching (LB) and office bleaching (OB) groups (n = 15 each). Pretreatment evaluation of microroughness was carried out for all samples using profilometer. Samples were treated twice in the OB group with Opalescent Xtra Boost and in the LB group using a laser-activated gel. Microroughness was evaluated after bleaching in both groups. Data were analyzed using repeated measure ANOVA. Both methods increased enamel surface roughness. Microroughness changes were significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.05). Microroughness significantly increased in the OB group (p > 0.05), but there was no significant difference in pre- and post-treatment roughness evaluation in the LB group (p < 0.05). Laser was considered a safer technique because it demonstrated a less surface roughness increase in comparison with the conventional office bleaching procedure.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal effects of light-activated disinfection (LAD) in comparison with contemporary root canal irrigation solutions: sodium hypochlorite and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate and a new wound antiseptic, octenidine hydrochloride. Seventy extracted teeth having single root canals were contaminated with Candida albicans for 14 days. The samples were divided into five experimental (n = 10) and two control (positive and negative) groups (n = 10): (1) LAD with toluidine blue O, (2) octenidine hydrochloride (OCT), (3) 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (2.5% NaOCl), (4) 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (5.25% NaOCl) and (5) 2% chlorhexidine. Five millilitres of each test solution was applied for 3 min, and irradiation time used for LAD was 30 s. After treatment, the dentin chips were collected from inner canal walls into vials containing phosphate buffered saline, vortexed, serially diluted, seeded on Tryptic Soy Agar plates and incubated (37 °C, 48 h). The number of colony-forming units was then counted. Differences between LAD group and positive control group were statistically significant (P < 0.05). All Candida cells were totally eliminated in root canals irrigated with OCT, 2.5% NaOCl, 5.25% NaOCl and 2% chlorhexidine groups (CFU = 0). Within the limitations of this ex vivo study, LAD had minimal antimicrobial effect on C. albicans when used 30 s, and further modifications in LAD protocol are required to improve its antifungal capability. A new wound antiseptic, octenidine hydrochloride, demonstrated better potential than LAD in elimination of Candida albicans cells and may be a promising alternative to NaOCl and chlorhexidine solutions in future.

Modern ultrashort pulse lasers with scanning systems provide a huge set of parameters affecting the suitability for dental applications. The present study investigates thresholds and ablation rates of oral hard tissues and restorative materials with a view towards a clinical application system. The functional system consists of a 10 W Nd:YVO4 laser emitting pulses with a duration of 8 ps at 1,064 nm. Measurements were performed on dentin, enamel, ceramic, composite, and mammoth ivory at a repetition rate of 500 kHz. By employing a scanning system, square-shaped cavities with an edge length of 1 mm were created. Ablation threshold and rate measurements were assessed by variation of the applied fluence. Examinations were carried out employing a scanning electron microscope and optical profilometer. Irradiation time was recorded by the scanner software in order to calculate the overall ablated volume per time. First high power ablation rate measurements were performed employing a laser source with up to 50 W. Threshold values in the range of 0.45 J/cm(2) (composite) to 1.54 J/cm(2) (enamel) were observed. Differences between any two materials are statistically significant (p < 0.05). Preparation speeds up to 37.53 mm(3)/min (composite) were achieved with the 10 W laser source and differed statistically significant for any two materials (p < 0.05) with the exception of dentin and mammoth ivory (p > 0.05). By employing the 50 W laser source, increased rates up to ∼50 mm(3)/min for dentin were obtained. The results indicate that modern USPL systems provide sufficient ablation rates to be seen as a promising technology for dental applications.

Dentinal hypersensitivity is one of the oldest recorded complaints of discomfort to mankind and yet there appears to be no permanent treatment for this clinical condition. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of potassium binoxalate gel and neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser on dentin hypersensitivity for a period of 9 months. Eighty teeth (20 subjects, 25-55 years old, M = F) were evaluated in a split-mouth design to receive potassium binoxalate (group A, 40 teeth) and Nd:YAG (group B, 40 teeth: 1 W, 10 Hz, and 60 s, irradiated twice). The diameter of output beam was about 300 μm with a distance of 2 mm between laser fiber or tip and tooth surface. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by air-blast test and cold-water test using visual analog scale. Electron microscopy photomicrographs were taken to confirm the results. Analysis was done at baseline; immediately post-treatment; and at 3, 6, 9 months post-treatment. Student's paired and unpaired T tests were used to evaluate the statistical analysis. Both treatment modalities were effective in reducing dentine hypersensitivity. However, Nd:YAG laser was better when intragroup comparison was made at 9 months post-treatment. Nd:YAG lasers is better in long-term treatment (up to 9 months) owing to the melting of dentinal tubules. However, due to depth of penetration of microcrystals, gel was better when ease of the procedure is considered. Nevertheless, both treatment modalities resulted in recurrence. Hence, further studies are needed to discover an agent, which can be considered as a "gold standard".

During pulsed laser irradiation of dental enamel, laser-induced photoemissions result from the laser-tissue interaction through mechanisms including fluorescence and plasma formation. Fluorescence induced by non-ablative laser light interaction has been used in tissue diagnosis, but the photoemission signal accompanying higher power ablative processes may also be used to provide real-time monitoring of the laser-tissue interaction. The spectral characteristics of the photoemission signals from normal and carious tooth enamel induced by two different pulsed lasers were examined. The radiation sources compared were a high-power extra-long Q-switched Nd:YAG laser operating at a wavelength of 1,066 nm giving pulses (with pulse durations in the range 200-250 μs) in the near infrared and a free-running Er(3+)-doped ZBLAN fibre laser operating at a wavelength near 3 μm with similar pulse durations in the mid-infrared region. The photoemission spectra produced during pulsed laser irradiation of enamel samples were recorded using a high-resolution spectrometer with a CCD array detector that enabled an optical resolution as high as 0.02 nm (FWHM). The spectral and time-dependence of the laser-induced photoemission due to thermal emission and plasma formation were detected during pulsed laser irradiation of hard tissues and were used to distinguish between normal and carious teeth. The use of these effects to distinguish between hard and soft biological tissues during photothermal ablation with a pulsed Nd:YAG laser or an Er fibre laser appears feasible. The real-time spectrally resolved phototransmission spectrum produced during pulsed Nd:YAG laser irradiation of human tooth enamel samples was recorded, with a (normalized) relative transmission coefficient of 1 (100%) for normal teeth and 0.6 (60%) for the carious teeth. The photoemission signal accompanying ablative events may also be used to provide real-time monitoring of the laser-tissue interaction.

Various authors have reported more effective fluoridation from the use of lasers combined with topical fluoride than from conventional topical fluoridation. Besides the beneficial effect of lasers in reducing the acid solubility of an enamel surface, they can also increase the uptake of fluoride. The study objectives were to compare the action of CO(2) and GaAlAs diode lasers on dental enamel and their effects on pulp temperature and enamel fluoride uptake. Different groups of selected enamel surfaces were treated with amine fluoride and irradiated with CO(2) laser at an energy power of 1 or 2 W or with diode laser at 5 or 7 W for 15 s each and compared to enamel surfaces without treatment or topical fluoridated. Samples were examined by means of environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Surfaces of all enamel samples were then acid-etched, measuring the amount of fluoride deposited on the enamel by using a selective ion electrode. Other enamel surfaces selected under the same conditions were irradiated as described above, measuring the increase in pulp temperature with a thermocouple wire. Fluorination with CO(2) laser at 1 W and diode laser at 7 W produced a significantly greater fluoride uptake on enamel (89 ± 18 mg/l) and (77 ± 17 mg/l) versus topical fluoridation alone (58 ± 7 mg/l) and no treatment (20 ± 1 mg/l). Diode laser at 5 W produced a lesser alteration of the enamel surface compared to CO(2) laser at 1 W, but greater pulp safety was provided by CO(2) laser (ΔT° 1.60° ± 0.5) than by diode laser (ΔT° 3.16° ± 0.6). Diode laser at 7 W and CO(2) laser at 2 W both caused alterations on enamel surfaces, but great pulp safety was again obtained with CO(2) (ΔT° 4.44° ± 0.60) than with diode (ΔT° 5.25° ± 0.55). Our study demonstrates that CO(2) and diode laser irradiation of the enamel surface can both increase fluoride uptake; however, laser energy parameters must be carefully controlled in order to limit increases in pulpal temperature and alterations to the enamel surface.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of modulated photoactivation on cuspal movement. Eight class II MOD composite restorations were analyzed under various photoactivation protocols in a real-time manner using holographic interferometry. During the first photoactivation protocol, the composite restoration was illuminated for 200 s continuously. In the second protocol, the polymerization lamp was first turned on for 5 s, then turned off for 120 s, and again turned on for a final 195 s. In both protocols, radiant exposure was the same. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in cuspal deflection was found for two-step irradiation (average value of total cuspal deflection was 5.03 ± 0.62 µm) compared to continuous irradiation (average value of total cuspal deflection was 5.95 ± 0.65 µm). The two-step photoactivation protocol was found preferable, since it resulted in a significantly lower cuspal deflection (11% lower, compared to the continuous illumination).

This study aimed to evaluate a laser fluorescence device (the DIAGNOdent) and a visual classification system (ICDAS-II) for occlusal caries diagnosis. It also aimed to determine whether fluorescence measurements taken at the tooth surface correlate with the fluorescence measurements taken within the body of the lesion. The occlusal surfaces of 100 extracted permanent teeth were examined using ICDAS-II and DIAGNOdent (LF-tooth). Serial sections were made and lesion depth was assessed histologically. DIAGNOdent readings were also taken from the sections (LF-section). There were significant positive strong correlations between ICDAS-II and histology (r(S) = 0.71) and LF-section and histology (r(S) = 0.70), and only moderate correlations between LF-tooth and histology (r(S) = 0.51) and LF-tooth and LF-section (r(S) = 0.60). Diagnostic accuracy for ICDAS-II was generally better than for LF-tooth. While the DIAGNOdent device provides an objective reading for detection and monitoring of carious lesions, using the cut-off ranges previously suggested leads to inferior performance.

Our aim was to evaluate thermal damage to endodontic pathogen Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) caused by sub-second laser-generated heat pulses by determining the parameters for the thermal damage survival curve (TDSC). A novel experimental method for thermal pulsing of bacteria in the millisecond range was developed. After cultivation, E. faecalis was inoculated on anodized aluminum substrate and heated with a pulsed Nd:YAG laser. Viability was assessed with both plate count and flow cytometry methods. An E. faecalis TDSC for single-pulse millisecond range heating times was derived from the Arrhenius equation. Results gained from single-pulse heating viability measurements were used to predict the bactericidal effect of multiple sequential pulses (pulse train), and compared to experimental measurements. The thermal damage model was then applied to determine the relationship between laser fluence, pulse width, and the viability decrease of E. faecalis in a simulated root canal disinfection procedure. The application of the model to calculate the required lethal laser fluence levels on dentin during endodontic laser procedures seems to indicate that for endodontic procedures, the sub-millisecond pulsed Nd:YAG lasers are more effective in comparison with continuous-mode diode lasers and will cause less undesirable bulk heating of the tooth and surrounding tissues. The results of the study can be applied to create a model for predicting the impact of sub-second temperature increase on viability of bacteria on various surfaces and calculate required fluences and pulse widths to achieve the aforementioned effects with laser pulses.

Esthetics is an important factor for patients seeking orthodontic treatment, and not always is the orthodontist able to make adjustments on the gingival contour, and this aspect is neglected. Many orthodontists are familiar with the name laser. However, there is a lack of information regarding their application on the orthodontic practice. There are several options for the use of CO(2) lasers on surgical procedures of interest to orthodontists, especially on soft tissues. There is no evidence that the use of the CO(2) laser has any side effect or contraindication on surgical procedures. This paper reports a series of surgical procedures carried out on orthodontic patients. It is concluded that the carbon dioxide laser not only allows surgeons to enhance current surgical options for treatment but also have contributed to the evolution of a variety of new procedures that are now commonplace in oral surgery, and its use shows several benefits for the orthodontic patient.

Laser etching has an effect on the mineral content of dentin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mineral content of dentin prepared at three different power settings with an erbium, chromium:yttrium scandium gallium garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser. The enamel of five, lower, wisdom, molar teeth was removed to expose the dentin surface. Four dentin slabs were obtained, then each tooth was randomly divided into four portions (groups 1 W, 2 W, 3 W and control) so that we could evaluate the effect of laser treatment. The Er,Cr:YSGG laser used for the study had a pulse duration of 140 micros, a pulse repetition rate of 20 Hz and a power output range of 0 W to 6 W. Laser energy was delivered through a fiberoptic system to a sapphire tip terminal 6 mm long and 600 microm in diameter, using a non-contact mode. The levels of five elements: magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), and sodium (Na), in each slab were measured by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). There were significant differences between the groups (1 W, 2 W, 3 W and control) for Ca, Mg, Na, P and Ca/P ratio (P<0.05); however, there were no significant differences for K (P=0.43). Laser treatment at 1 W significantly affected the mean percentage weight of all element groups except K. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photographs indicated that the surface irregularities increased with increasing power setting.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to observe the morphological changes and apical dye penetration at apical dentin surfaces after apicoectomy with conventional techniques and laser beam. Sixty single-rooted extracted teeth were selected for the study. The crowns were resected below the cemento-enamel junction. Then, these teeth were treated endodontically and filled with gutta-percha using AH-26 root canal sealer. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups of 15 teeth in each. The roots were resected perpendicular to its long axis 3 mm from the apex using Er: yttrium-aluminium-garnet (YAG) laser irradiation in groups 1 and 2, and the resected root surfaces were lased with Nd:YAG laser in group 2. The apexes were resected by a high-speed handpiece in groups 3 and 4, and the resected root surfaces were lased with Nd:YAG laser in group 4. Ten teeth in each group were used for leakage studies, and the other five teeth were used for scanning electron microscopic examinations. Seven sections were obtained from each root to assess the microleakage, and the sections were analyzed in a computer-assisted manner. No statistically significant differences were observed between the leakage percentage of groups 1 and 3 and groups 2 and 4 (p>0.05). Morphological differences were observed between apical dentin surfaces resected with conventional techniques and laser beam.