title: Effect of a novel Er:YAG laser in caries removal and cavity preparation: a clinical observation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We evaluated the applicability of a novel Er:YAG laser under clinical conditions.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The Er:YAG laser has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective alternative to the conventional turbine bur, but the relatively low cutting speed prevented the wide application of Er:YAG laser in clinical cavity preparation.
  
  
  METHODS
  A Smart 2940 D laser developed by Deka Corporation was used for cavity preparation in 95 teeth of 45 patients. Parameters were as follows: wavelength 2.94 microm, pulse energy 700 mJ, repetition rate 8 Hz. Pain, discomfort, assessment during cavity preparation, prognosis factor, and overall clinical evaluation were assessed during or after treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No adverse reaction was observed in any tooth. No intraoperative pain or only slight intraoperative pain was described in 85 teeth (89.5%). Cavity preparation was completed with the laser system alone in 90 teeth (94.7%). Overall clinical evaluation showed no safety problems, with a very good or good rating in 86 teeth (90.5%). The overall operation time was 49 sec on average.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Smart 2940 D is an efficient, effective, safe, and suitable instrument for caries removal and for cavity preparation. It greatly shortens operation time.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cariology and Endodontology, Showa University School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan. koukichi@senzohu.showa-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: Koukichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Matsumoto
authors.forename: Xiaogu
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Chengfei
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Jun-Ichiro
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kinoshita
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000628:therapy*; D003736:Dental Cavity Lining / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies