title: Effect of Er:YAG laser on diseased root surfaces: an in vivo study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of the present study was to observe in vivo the effects of two different power settings of an Er:YAG laser on pockets of periodontally involved root surfaces using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-two teeth with severe periodontal disease scheduled for extraction were divided into three groups: group A was irradiated with an energy of 140 mJ, 10 Hz; group B with 160 mJ 10 Hz; group C was used as controls. Morphological changes on the treated root surfaces were evaluated using SEM observations to assess laser-induced ultrastructural changes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All surfaces treated in both groups showed a homogeneous and smooth root surface morphology. The surface alterations were very similar with both energy values used.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Er:YAG laser irradiation performed with two different power settings of root surfaces in vivo showed at the SEM observation a complete absence of debris and smooth root surfaces.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biophysical, Medical and Odontostomatological Sciences and Technologies, Medical School, University of Genova, Genova, Italy. robcresp@libero.it
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Crespi
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Barone
authors.forename: Ugo
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Covani
mesh_terms: D003728:Dental Calculus / Q000628:therapy; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000628:therapy; D004871:Erbium; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000628:therapy*; D016745:Root Planing / Q000295:instrumentation*
chemical_list: D004871:Erbium