Effects of Nd:YAG laser irradiation on root canal dentin wall: a scanning electron microscopic study.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the effects of Nd:YAG laser irradiation applied perpendicular or parallel to the root canal dentin wall.


METHODS
Thirty human teeth were divided into two groups: Group A (20 roots), laser application with circular movements, parallel to the dentin root surface; and Group B (10 roots), roots cut longitudinally and laser applied perpendicular to the root surface. Group A was subdivided into A1 (10 roots), laser application with 100 mJ, 15 Hz and 1.5 W; and A2 (10 roots) with 160 mJ, 15 Hz, and 2.4 W. Group B was subdivided into B1 (10 hemisections) and B2 (10 hemi-sections) with parameters similar to A1 and A2. Four applications of 7-sec duration were performed, with a total exposure of 28 sec. SEM evaluations were made in the cervical, middle, and apical thirds, with 500x and 2000x magnifications. Morphological changes scores were attributed, and the results were submitted to Kruskal Wallis statistical test (5%).


RESULTS
Significant statistical differences were found between groups Aand B (p = 0.001). In groups A1 and A2, few areas of dentin melting were observed. In groups B1 and B2, areas of melting dentin covering dentin surface were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
It was concluded that intracanal laser application with circular movements (parallel to the surface) produces limited morphological changes in root canal dentin wall.
Camargo
Samira Esteves Afonso
SE
School of Dentistry, Paulista State University, UNESP, São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil.
Valera
Marcia Carneiro
MC
Camargo
Carlos Henrique Ribeiro
CH
Fonseca
Manuela Bafini
MB
Menezes
Marcia Maciel
MM
D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003804:Dentin / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning