Removal effects of subgingival calculus on root surface after Er:YAG laser irradiation at a high pulse rate

This aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of Er:YAG laser at a high pulse rate (ER-D1: HOYA continuum, Japan) for scaling of subgingival calculus and root planning. Sixty-one patients with calculus deposition were treated with the Er:YAG laser (panel setting 30–108 mJ/pulse, 30 Hz) using contact tips and the results were then subjected to clinical analysis. Clinical assessments of calculus index, pain, redness, swelling, discomfort, roughness of root surface, efficiency of scaling, PlI, PD, BOP and mobility were made prior to and at 1, 4 weeks and 3 months after treatment. Fifteen of the sixty-one patients were treated during the flap operation. The Er:YAG laser high-pulse-rate irradiation was capable of ablating the calculus on the root surface precisely and effectively. The roughness of root surface after debridement was evaluated to be adequately plane for 41 cases and still rough for 20 cases. BOP and PD were significantly improved throughout the 3-month examination of this study. No negative side effects or influences were observed on the healing of periodontal tissue following Er:YAG laser irradiation during this clinical study. In conclusion, the Er:YAG laser high-pulse-rate irradiation would be a safe and effective, alternative method for root surface treatment in both nonsurgical and surgical periodontal therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]