title: In vitro evaluation of Nd:YAG laser radiation at three different wavelengths (1064, 532, and 355 nm) on calculus removal in comparison with ultrasonic scaling.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of laser treatment for calculus removal at different wavelengths and compare it with that of ultrasonic scaling (US).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Conventional methods of treatment of periodontal tissues can be limited by morphology, root anatomy, and the periodontal pocket. In the search for an effective therapy to achieve a biocompatible root surface, laser treatment appeared in the field of periodontology.
  
  
  METHODS
  Radiation from a Nd:YAG laser operating at the fundamental (1064 nm), second harmonic (532 nm) and third harmonic (355 nm) wavelengths was used for calculus removal. Environment scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) was used for the morphological analysis of the treated surfaces. The wavelength dependence of the ablation thresholds for calculus and cementum was evaluated by applying a photoacoustic technique.
  
  
  RESULTS
  US achieved complete calculus removal, leaving a smooth and regular surface in a more efficient way than laser treatment. ESEM examination and photoacoustic methods confirmed a nonselective removal of material that entails partial cementum ablation of the root surface with the laser treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  UV radiation at 355 nm can constitute an adjunctive therapy to US, by eliminating toxic agents and the contaminated layer of cementum.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Química Láser, Instituto de Química Física Rocasolano, CSIC, Madrid, Spain. c.gomez@iqfr.csic.es
authors.forename: Clara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gómez
authors.forename: Angel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Costela
authors.forename: Inmaculada
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: García-Moreno
authors.forename: Juan Antonio
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: García
mesh_terms: D001641:Bicuspid; D003728:Dental Calculus / Q000628:therapy*; D012534:Dental Scaling / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008963:Molar; D014465:Ultrasonics