title: The use of Er:YAG, Nd:YAG and Ga-Al-As lasers in periapical surgery: a 3-year clinical study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In an attempt to increase the successful rate of endodontic surgical procedures this study proposes the use of an association of three lasers in apicectomy: Er:YAG laser, (wavelength 2.94 microm pulse mode), Nd:YAG laser (wavelength 1.064 microm, pulse mode), and Ga-Al-As laser, (wavelength of 790 nm, continuous wave).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Previous studies have shown the low success rate of apicectomy by conventional methods due to the presence of remaining bacteria in the surgical site.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Er:YAG laser was used to perform osteotomy and root resection without vibration, discomfort, less contamination of the surgical site, and no smear-layer on the dentine surface. The Nd:YAG laser irradiation through a fiber performed sealing of the dentinal tubules and bacterial reduction of the cavity bone. In addition, the improvement of healing and better post-operative achieved with the Ga-Al-As laser encourages the use of those lasers in periapical surgeries.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three years follow-up examination of the clinical case showed radiographically significant decrease of the radiolucent periapical area and no clinical signs and symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The outcome of this clinical case indicates that the use of those lasers could be considered an alternative, suitable, and useful method to perform an apicectomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gouw-Soares
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tanji
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Haypek
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Cardoso
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Eduardo
mesh_terms: D001047:Apicoectomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged