Safety parameters for pulp temperature during selective ablation of caries by KTP laser in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
To define the optimal parameters of KTP laser irradiation during a selective caries removal.


METHODS
Twelve decayed human teeth, recently extracted were used. Their root canals were prepared for insertion of a thermocouple probe into the pulp chamber. The demineralized tissues were colored by Acid Red 52 before proceeding to different conditions of irradiation.


RESULTS
Pulpal temperature increases (below 3 degrees C) were found under the following parameters with 15 sec of continuous lasing: 400 mWatts, 0.10-msec pulse width, PRR <50 Hz for efficient caries removal. A resting time average of 70 sec was necessary to allow pulp temperature to get back to its baseline.


CONCLUSIONS
KTP laser can be used safely and without any pulp over-heating under certain irradiation conditions.
Nammour
S
S
Department of Stomatology, University Hospital Saint Pierre, Free University of Brussels, Belgium. nammourdent@hotmail.com
Kowalyk
K
K
Valici
C
C
Zeinoun
T
T
Rocca
J-P
JP
Powell
L
L
Van Reck
J
J
D001831:Body Temperature; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000601:surgery*; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D012449:Safety