Search

Background: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of titanium brush, 915 nm diode laser, citric acid and the combination of latter two with titanium brush for decontamination of SLA surface mini-implants.Materials and Methods: Seventy-five mini-implants contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were randomly divided into five experimental groups (n=12) of titanium brush (TiB), laser, citric acid (CA), brush-laser, and brush-acid, positive [n=12; chlorhexidine mouthwash (CHX)] and negative [n=2; phosphate buffered saline (PBS)] control groups and one no-treatment group (n=1). After counting the colony forming units (CFUs), data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn post-hoc tests.Results: Regardless of the no-treatment and negative control groups, maximum and minimum CFUs were noted in the titanium brush and positive control groups. After CHX, minimum CFUs were noted in brush-acid group followed by brush-laser, laser, and acid groups. Generally, the Kruskal-Walli test revealed a significant difference between the groups regarding the colony count (P0.077).Conclusions: Maximum reduction in colony count was noted in the positive control group. Combination of titanium brush and laser was also effective for decreasing the colony count; however, combined use of titanium brush and citric acid yielded superior results compared to other groups.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare shear bond strength (SBS), adhesive remnant index and enamel cracks in bonding and rebonding of brackets to enamel, conditioned with erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG) laser and conventional acid-etching. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two bovine lower incisors were randomly divided into four groups consisting of group 1 (acid-conditioning in both bondings), group 2 (acid-conditioning in first and laser-conditioning in second bonding), group 3 (laser-conditioning in first- and acid-conditioning in second bonding), and group 4 (laser-conditioning in both bondings). After bracket placement, the samples were thermocycled and tested for SBS in both bonding procedures. Adhesive remnant index scores and enamel cracks were also determined. Tukey's test and one-way analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis (P

Bracket bonding to composite surfaces is increasing. This study sought to assess the effect of different adhesives (acid etchant+Transbond XT™, acid etchant+Vertise Flow™, Vertise Flow™) with different surface treatments (no preparation, bur, sandblasting, Er:YAG laser) on shear bond strength (SBS) of metal brackets to aged composite.In this in vitro, experimental study, Filtek™ Z250 composite discs were fabricated (10×4mm). After thermocycling (10,000 cycles between 5-55°C), the samples were randomly divided into three groups (n=48) based on the type of adhesive namely acid etchant+Transbond XT™, Vertise Flow™, and acid etchant+Vertise Flow™. Samples in each group were randomly divided into four subgroups (n=12) based on the surface treatment including no-treatment, diamond bur, sandblasting and Er:YAG laser. Samples in each group were randomly divided into three subgroups (n=12) based on the type of adhesive namely acid etchant+Transbond XT™, Vertise Flow™, and acid etchant+Vertise Flow™. After bracket bonding to composite discs, the samples underwent thermocycling (5000 cycles between 5-55°C), and their SBS was measured in a universal testing machine. The samples were then inspected under a stereomicroscope at x10 magnification to determine their mode of failure and adhesive remnant index (ARI).No significant difference was noted in SBS between adhesives in no-preparation and laser groups (P0.05). In all adhesive groups, sandblast had highest SBS, but it was not significantly different in Vertise Flow™ groups, with and without etching. The SBS provided by acid etchant+Transbond XT™ was significantly higher than that of the other two adhesives (P0.05). The SBS of sandblasted samples was significantly higher compared with other surface treatments in all adhesive subgroups (P0.05).Bracket bonding to aged composite using Vertise Flow™ with or without surface treatment can serve as an alternative to the conventional orthodontic adhesives.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effect of erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) and erbium, chromium: yttrium, scandium, gallium, garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) lasers on the shear bond strength (SBS) of ceramic brackets debonding from the surface of composite blocks. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six composite blocks were fabricated using Filtek Z250 light-cure composite. Block surfaces were etched with 37% phosphoric acid for 30 seconds and then rinsed with water for 20 seconds and dried. Maxillary right central incisor ceramic orthodontic brackets were bonded to the surfaces of composite blocks using Transbond XT adhesive and were cured for 40 seconds. Twelve samples were irradiated with Er:YAG laser, while 12 samples were irradiated with Er,Cr:YSGG laser, and the brackets were then debonded using a universal testing machine. Twelve samples served as controls (debonding using the universal testing machine without using a laser). The adhesive remnant index (ARI) score and bracket or composite cracks were evaluated under a stereomicroscope. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for the comparison of the three groups. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the ARI scores. Results: The mean SBS was 17.01±5.22 MPa with Er:YAG laser, 18.03±6.46 MPa with Er,Cr:YSGG laser, and 16.61±6.73 MPa in the control group; the difference of the three groups was not significant (P=0.835). The difference in the ARI scores and enamel and composite cracks was not significant either (P>0.05). Conclusion: This study did not show any reduction in the bond strength of ceramic bracket to composite blocks after Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation.

Objectives: The purpose was to compare shear bond strength (SBS), pulp temperature, and adhesive remnant index (ARI) in debonding of stainless steel brackets from enamel surface using neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser versus the conventional debonding method. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight extracted premolars were bonded to stainless steel brackets. The samples were divided into three experimental groups and one control group. In the first three groups, Nd:YAG laser was used for debonding with the power of 1, 1.5, and 2 W, respectively, for 10 seconds. The SBS and ARI of the samples were assessed. Pulp temperature was recorded before and after irradiation. Two samples from each group were used for determining enamel morphology after debonding using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: The mean SBS in the groups was 33.05, 28.69, 24.37, and 31.53 MPa, respectively, with no statistically significant differences (P=0.205). Significant differences in post-irradiation temperature were noted among the lased groups (P=0.000). Debonding mainly occurred at the adhesive-enamel interface in the 1-W laser and control groups and at the bracket-adhesive interface in the 1.5-W and 2-W laser groups. Enamel structure was amorphous and irregular following laser irradiation. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, the use of Nd:YAG laser could not significantly affect the SBS. Therefore, this laser would not be suitable for debonding of metal brackets. The use of a 2-W laser could significantly raise the pulpal temperature. Nd:YAG laser renders a more heterogeneous enamel morphology compared to conventional debonding methods.

Background and Aim: Application of zirconia ceramics has increased. Since the commonly used surface treatment for porcelain, i.e. acid etching is not efficient for zirconia surfaces, evaluation of other surface treatment methods for zirconia is important. The aim of this study was to compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of metal brackets to zirconia treated with different powers of Er:YAG laser, sandblasting and silane. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, five blocks of 3 mol% yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia ceramics (3Y-TZP-A) were cut into small cubes. After the sintering process, 72 samples were assigned to six groups (n=12). The first group did not receive any surface treatment. The second, third and fourth groups were irradiated with Er:YAG laser with 1.5 W (150 mJ), 2.5 W (250 mJ) and 3 W (300 mJ) powers, respectively in a long pulse mode for 20 seconds. The samples in the fifth group were sandblasted. The sixth group samples were silanized. After bonding of brackets to the samples, they were stored in distilled water, thermocycled and their SBS was measured by a universal testing machine. Mode of failure was assessed by a stereomicroscope. Results: The SBS of brackets to zirconia in groups one to six was 0.31±0.23, 0.51±0.14, 1.11 ±0.40, 3.32±1.52, 9.5±2.99 and 3.88±2.20 MPa, respectively. ANOVA revealed a significant difference among the six groups. Tamhane’s test showed that the SBS in group five was significantly higher than that in the other groups. Bond failure occurred at the adhesive/zirconia interface in all groups. Conclusion: Surface treatment of zirconia with sandblasting provided appropriate bond strength of brackets for clinical applications. But, Er:YAG laser and silane did not create sufficient SBS to zirconia surfaces.

Purpose: This study evaluated the micro-tensile bond strength of new and previous composite resin restorations after surface treatment with diamond bur and Er,Cr:YSGG laser at different power settings (2,3 and 4 W). Materials and methods: Micro-hybride composite resin was inserted in metallic mold 5 ×5 ×15 mm and cured for 40 sec according to manufacturer's instruction.12 blocks were made. The bonded surfaces of the 12 blocks so obtained were subsequently ground using Silicon Carbide papers 1200 grit, for 15 seconds under running water. Then the samples randomly were divided into 4 groups: (G1) Bur-treated, (G2) Er,Cr:YSGG laser with power of 2 W and energy of 100 mJ, (G3) Er,Cr:YSGG laser with power of 3 W and energy of 150 mJ, (G4) Er,Cr:YSGG laser with power of 4 W and energy of 200 mJ. One sample of each group was analyzed by SEM while, after cutting the blocks to 1 mm2 of area samples, the others samples were mechanically tested by Universal testing machine with the speed of 0.5 mm per minute till fracture point. Data were analysed using One-Way ANOVA and Tukey Test. Results: T-test showed no significantly differences between G2 and G4(P=0.064) while G3 demonstrated significant differences than G2 (P=0.001) and G4(P=0.000) and also between samples treated with bur (G1) and G2 (P=0.242) ,G3 (P=0.000) ,G4 (P=0.829); G1 didn't significantly differ to G2 and G4(P>0.05), while G1 and G3(P

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the erbium, chromium: yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser in removing debris and the smear layer using two different output powers on the apical, middle, and coronal segments of root canal walls. Background data: Previous literature has failed to evaluate the exclusive effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser on the quality of smear layer and debris removal in all three segments of the root canal space. Methods: Sixty extracted teeth were included in the study. After instrumentation, samples were divided into three experimental groups and one positive control group with no further treatment. In group 1, a final irrigation was performed using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), sequentially. In group 2, the samples were treated with a 2.78 μm Er,Cr:YSGG laser with an output power of 1.5 W. The same laser was used in group 3, but with an output power of 2.5 W. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images from the coronal, middle, and apical thirds of the roots were prepared and evaluated for both smear layer and debris removal by three blinded observers. Results: The results showed no differences between groups 1 and 2 regarding the quality of smear layer removal in all areas. However, the 2.5 W laser failed to remove the smear layer effectively. Regarding debris removal, the EDTA and NaOCl irrigation showed significantly better outcomes (adjusted p

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an erbium, chromium: yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser on the push-out bond strength of RealSeal Self-Etch (SE) sealer. Background data: Various methods are used for smear layer removal in endodontics, such as the application of Er,Cr:YSGG lasers. This laser system may influence the bond strength of resin-based sealers. Methods: Sixty single-rooted extracted teeth were selected. After root canal preparation, samples were divided into two experimental groups and one positive control group (n=20 per group). In group 1, the smear layer was removed by irrigation with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). In group 2, the smear layer was removed using a 2.78 μm Er,Cr:YSGG laser with radial firing tips (RFT3) (parameters: 1.5W, 140 μs, 20 Hz, and 15% water to 15% air ratio), moving at 2 mm/sec in an apico-coronal direction. Group 3 served as a positive control group. Five specimens from each group were selected for scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation. The remaining 45 roots were obturated with RealSeal SE/Resilon and subjected to push-out tests. Data were analyzed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tamhane's test. Results: The results showed no significant difference between push-out bond strength of root canal fillings in the EDTA+NaOCl group and the 1.5W laser group (p>0.05). The positive control group showed the lowest push-out bond strength. Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate that the application of an Er,Cr:YSGG laser with radial firing tips did not adversely affect the push-out bond strength of RealSeal SE sealer to dentin.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the root morphology of teeth and efficiency of scaling after using Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers. Thirty-two periodontally hopeless teeth were extracted. The border of an appropriate calculus was marked using a diamond bur on each tooth, and the calculus was divided into two almost equal parts. An Er,Cr:YSGG laser with pulse energy of 50 mJ, power of 1 W, and energy density of 17.7 J/cm2 and an Er:YAG laser with pulse energy of 200 mJ, power of 2.4 W, and energy density of 21 J/cm2 were used to remove the calculus. The time for scaling was recorded for each group, and using stereomicroscopic analysis, the calculus remnant, carbonization, and number of craters were investigated. The mean time required for calculus removal in the Er,Cr:YSGG and Er:YAG laser groups was 15.22 ± 6.18 seconds and 7.12 ± 4.11 seconds, respectively. The efficiency of calculus removal in the Er:YAG laser group was significantly higher than in the Er,Cr:YSGG laser group. Under stereomicroscope examination, no carbonization or remaining calculus was found in samples from either group, but all samples had craters. The number of craters in the Er,Cr:YSGG laser group was significantly higher than in the Er:YAG laser group. According to the parameters used and limitations of this study, there was no significant difference in efficiency per power for calculus removal between the two groups.

Adult orthodontic treatment requires bonding orthodontic attachment to dental restorations. Ceramics are commonly used as esthetic restorative materials for the crowns and bridges. The present study evaluated the shear bond strength of metal orthodontic brackets to the feldspathic porcelain surfaces following conditioning by different powers of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and hydrofluoric acid as a conventional method. Seventy-two glazed porcelain samples were prepared and randomly attributed to six equal groups of 12. In the conventional hydrofluoric (HF) group, the specimens were etched by 9.6 % hydrofluoric acid for 4 min. In laser groups, samples were conditioned by 0.75-, 1-, 1.25-, 1.5-, and 2-W Nd:YAG laser for 10 s. Metal brackets were bonded to porcelain samples and after being stored in distilled water for 24 h, they were subjected to thermocycling for 500 cycles. The debonding was carried out by a Zwick testing machine. The data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tamhane multiple comparisons tests. The mean ± SD of the shear bond strength in the laser group 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, and 2 W and HF group was 2.2 ± 0.9, 4.2 ± 1.1, 4.9 ± 2.4, 7 ± 1.7, 9.6 ± 2.7, and 9.4 ± 2.5, respectively. Together with the increased power of laser, the mean shear bond strength was increased continuously and no significant differences were found between the HF group and the laser groups with power of 1.5 or 2 W. Also, there was no significant difference between all test groups in ARI scores. There was no significant difference between bond strength of laser groups with power of 1.5 and 2 W and HF-etched group. So, Nd:YAG laser with appropriate parameters can be used as an alternative method for porcelain etching.

Background: Application of zirconia in dentistry has increased due to its good properties. Since zirconia is not possible to be etched, evaluation of the other methods of surface treatment is important. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate zirconia surfaces treated by different output powers of Er: YAG laser and sandblasting technique by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Materials and Methods: 15 specimens were prepared of 3Y-TZP ceramic material. After polishing of all the samples, divided into 5 groups; control group, 1.5 W Er: YAG laser irradiated group, 2.5W Er: YAG laser irradiated group, 3.5 W Er: YAG laser irradiated and sandblasted group. Then SEM image of each group were prepared and analyzed. Results: The SEM images of study groups showed there is no significant difference between control group and laser groups at × 3000, but at the more magnifications (× 15000 and × 60000), with increasing laser power, surface roughness and deformation of crystals increases. SEM of Sandblasted group showed a change in surface texture with the formation of microretentive grooves and deformation of zirconia crystals shape. Conclusions: By increasing the Er: YAG laser power on zirconia ceramics, the surface roughness increases but not impressive. Application of sandblasting technique on zirconia provides greater surface roughness than Er: YAG laser treatment. 1.5 W (150 mJ) Er: YAG laser radiation has no significant effect on surface morphology of zirconia but 2.5 W (250 mJ) and 3.5 W (350 mJ) outputs, change the surface morphology.

There are several studies done to show the comparability of laser scaling and root planing with routine methods. The most suitable wavelengths for such an application are reported as 2,940 and 2,780 nm. The superficial interactions of the current wavelength with root surface is investigated in this study to compare the crater and crack formation during the procedures between ultrasound and Er,Cr:yttrium-scandium-gallium garnet (YSGG; 2,780 nm) laser-treated teeth. Thirty human teeth with calculus on their root surface, which were extracted because of the severe periodontitis, were selected for this interventional in vitro study. Calculus area were divided into two equal parts: One of them was prepared for Er,Cr:YSGG (Biolase, Waterlase, USA) laser irradiation and the other one for ultrasound treatment (Dentsply cavitron, DENTSPLY International, USA). The Er,Cr:YSGG laser was specified as follows: pulse energy = 50 mJ, power = 1 W, wavelength = 2,780 nm, pulse repetition rate = 20 pulse per seconds, tip length = 6 mm, and tip diameter = 600 microm. Nineteen of the laser samples (95%) and eight of ultrasound ones (40%) out of 20 samples in each group had craters showing a statistical significant difference (p0.001). The number and depth of these craters are also evaluated. Thirteen samples of the laser cases (65%) and all samples of the ultrasound group showed cracks with significant differences (p = 0.008). In addition, the number and width of cracks in both groups are reported. As a general conclusion, the laser-treated samples show more craters but less cracks.