title: Effects of laser-aided circumferential supracrestal fiberotomy on root surfaces.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate and compare the effects of circumferential supracrestal fiberotomy in vivo (using diode, CO(2), and Er∶YAG lasers) on the morphology and chemical composition of the root surface.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty healthy premolar teeth, intended for extraction for orthodontic reasons, were used in this study. Root surfaces were treated using different laser methods, as follows: (1) control; (2) Er∶YAG laser (2.94 µm, 100 mJ, 10 Hz); (3) diode laser (808 nm, 1.2 W, continuous wave); and (4) CO(2) laser (10.6 µm, 3 W, continuous wave). Subsequently, the teeth were removed and subjected to scanning electron microscopic (SEM) examination and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectrometric analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  SEM analysis indicated that no thermal changes, including melting or carbonization, were observed following the lasing procedures. EDX analysis showed that the laser procedures resulted in similar mineral contents (weight % of calcium and phosphate) as compared to those in the control group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on these findings, we concluded that laser-aided procedures, when used at appropriate laser settings, preserve the original morphology and chemical composition of cementum.
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Ji-Won
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Ki-Ho
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Jong-Hyuk
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: Su-Jung
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D001641:Bicuspid; D003739:Dental Cementum / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000737:chemistry / Q000293:injuries; D003748:Dental Equipment; D005890:Gingivectomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D054020:Lasers, Gas / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D013052:Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission; D013499:Surface Properties; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000737:chemistry / Q000293:injuries