In vitro analysis of human tooth pulp chamber temperature after low-intensity laser therapy at different power outputs.
In vitro studies have provided conflicting evidence of temperature changes in the tooth pulp chamber after low-level laser irradiation of the tooth surface. The present study was an in vitro evaluation of temperature increases in the human tooth pulp chamber after diode laser irradiation (GaAlAs, λ = 808 nm) using different power densities. Twelve human teeth (three incisors, three canines, three premolars and three molars) were sectioned in the cervical third of the root and enlarged for the introduction of a thermocouple into the pulp chamber. The teeth were irradiated with 417 mW, 207 mW and 78 mW power outputs for 30 s on the vestibular surface approximately 2 mm from the cervical line of the crown. The highest average increase in temperature (5.6°C) was observed in incisors irradiated with 417 mW. None of the teeth (incisors, canines, premolars or molars) irradiated with 207 mW showed temperature increases higher than 5.5°C that could potentially be harmful to pulp tissue. Teeth irradiated with 78 mW showed lower temperature increases. The study showed that diode laser irradiation with a wavelength of 808 nm at 417 mW power output increased the pulp chamber temperature of certain groups of teeth, especially incisors and premolars, to critical threshold values for the dental pulp (5.5°C). Thus, this study serves as a warning to clinicians that "more" is not necessarily "better".
Research & Development Institute, Vale do Paraíba University, Av. Shishima Hifumi, 2911, São José dos Campos, 12244-000, SP, Brazil.
Márcio
M
de Alencar Mollo
Lucio
L
Frigo
Giovani Marino
GM
Favero
Rodrigo Alvaro Brandão
RA
Lopes-Martins
Aldo
A
Brugnera Junior
D001831:Body Temperature / Q000528:radiation effects*; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000528:radiation effects*; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy