title: Effect of ND:YAG laser irradiation and root planing on the root surface: structural and thermal effects.
abstract: Effects of ND:YAG laser irradiation on untreated and root planed tooth roots were investigated to determine whether a cleaning effect and/or removal of smear layer could be achieved without concomitant microstructural or thermal damage. Sixty (60) healthy extracted teeth were either untreated, irradiated only, root planed only, or irradiated and root planed. Intra-pulpal and surface temperatures were monitored during irradiation, then SEM was performed. Smear layer elimination was achieved without inducing hard tissue microstructural damage at 5W, using pulse durations and intervals of 0.1 s, a fluence of 0.77 J/cm2, and a total energy density of approximately 700 J/cm2. However, these results were not consistent in all samples. At these parameters, intra-pulpal temperature increases of 9 to 22 degrees C and surface temperature increases of 18 to 36 degrees C were recorded. Thus, despite their effectiveness for smear layer removal, these parameters may not be appropriate for clinical use as an adjunct to conventional periodontal therapy.
authors.affiliation: Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic, University of California, Irvine, USA.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wilder-Smith
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Arrastia
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Schell
authors.forename: L H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Liaw
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Grill
authors.forename: M W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Berns
mesh_terms: D001831:Body Temperature; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000293:injuries; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007834:Lasers / Q000009:adverse effects; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009354:Neodymium; D016745:Root Planing / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D016369:Smear Layer; D013499:Surface Properties / Q000528:radiation effects; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000293:injuries / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure
chemical_list: D009354:Neodymium