title: Tooth desensitization with an Er:YAG laser: in vitro microscopical observation and a case report.
abstract: Tooth hypersensitivity is a frequent condition that causes discomfort and sometimes severe pain. It is caused by exposure of spots of dentinal tubules to the oral environment. Conventional desensitizing agents (professional pastes, toothpastes, mouthwashes) aim to obliterate the exposed dentinal tubules. Laser desensitization was introduced as an alternative efficient tool for the immediate treatment of tooth hypersensitivity. We explored in vitro the microscopical occluding effects of the Er:YAG laser on exposed dentinal tubules. The clinical application of this technique is also described.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Surgery (CHU), Nantes, France.
authors.forename: Zahi
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Badran
authors.forename: Hervé
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Boutigny
authors.forename: Xavier
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Struillou
authors.forename: Serge
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Baroth
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Laboux
authors.forename: Assem
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Soueidan
mesh_terms: D003804:Dentin / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003807:Dentin Sensitivity / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008875:Middle Aged; D017288:Pain Threshold / Q000528:radiation effects
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