Pulpal space pressure and temperature changes from Nd:YAG laser irradiation of dentin.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate pulpal space pressure and temperature after application of Nd:YAG laser, and high-speed diamond bur on dentin surface.


METHODS
One and 3 W Nd:YAG laser and high-speed diamond bur were used to remove dentine from twenty extracted premolars. The pulp chambers were monitored for pressure and temperature changes with a pressure transducer and thermocouple, respectively.


RESULTS
Regardless of the remaining dentin thickness (RDT), laser irradiation and high-speed diamond bur use generated an increase in pulpal space pressure and temperature (ANOVA and Fisher's LSD tests, P < 0.001). Pressure and temperature increased with an increase in laser power. Three-Watt laser irradiation caused greater changes than 1 W (1.75 kPa and 1.31 degrees C, 0.53 kPa and 0.34 degrees C, respectively). Both pulpal space pressure (P < 0.001) and temperature (P < 0.005) increased as the RDT decreased.


CONCLUSIONS
Laser irradiation and the use of a high-speed diamond bur generated an increase in pulpal space pressure and temperature. Pulpal space pressure and temperature increased with an increase in energy density of laser and a decrease in RDT.
Srimaneepong
V
V
School of Dental Science, The University of Melbourne, 711 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne 3000, Australia.
Palamara
J E A
JE
Wilson
P R
PR
D000293:Adolescent; D001641:Bicuspid; D002648:Child; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000528:radiation effects*; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000528:radiation effects*; D003804:Dentin / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007834:Lasers; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D019237:Tooth Cervix / Q000502:physiology; D019228:Tooth Crown / Q000502:physiology