title: Morphologic analysis, by means of scanning electron microscopy, of the effect of Er: YAG laser on root surfaces submitted to scaling and root planing.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to morphologically evaluate, by means of scanning electron microscopy, the effects of Er:YAG laser on the treatment of root surfaces submitted to scaling and root planing with conventional periodontal instruments. Eighteen root surfaces (n = 18), which had been previously scaled and planed, were assigned to 3 groups (n = 6). The control Group (G1) received no further treatment; Group 2 (G2) was irradiated with Er:YAG laser (2.94 mum), with 47 mJ/10 Hz, in a focused mode with air/water spray during 15 s and with 0.57 J/cm of fluency per pulse; Group 3 (G 3) was irradiated with Er:YAG laser (2.94 mum), with 83 mJ/10 Hz, in a focused mode with air/water spray during 15 s and with 1.03 J/cm2 of fluency per pulse. We concluded that the parameters adopted for Group 3 removed the smear layer from the root surface, exposing the dentinal tubules. Although no fissures, cracks or carbonized areas were observed, an irregular surface was produced by Er:YAG laser irradiation. Thus, the biocompatibility of the irradiated root surface, within the periodontal healing process, must be assessed.
authors.affiliation: Energetics and Nuclear Research Institute, Brasil.
authors.forename: Letícia Helena
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Theodoro
authors.forename: Valdir Gouveia
authors.initials: VG
authors.lastname: Garcia
authors.forename: Patrícia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Haypek
authors.forename: Denise Maria
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Zezell
authors.forename: Carlos de Paula
authors.initials: Cde P
authors.lastname: Eduardo
mesh_terms: D001641:Bicuspid; D012534:Dental Scaling; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D016745:Root Planing; D016369:Smear Layer; D013499:Surface Properties; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure