Effect of 980-nm diode laser-aided circumferential supracrestal fiberotomy on fluorosed root surfaces.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate and compare the root surface morphological changes after 980-nm diode laser-aided circumferential supracrestal fiberotomy (CSF) on fluorosed and non-fluorosed teeth.


METHODS
The sample comprised 27 orthodontic patients (14 males and 13 females; mean age  =  17.3 years) with and without fluorosis, from whom 40 fluorosed and 40 non-fluorosed premolar teeth were extracted for orthodontic reasons. Conventional (control group) and laser-aided (experimental group) CSF was performed on fluorosed and non-fluorosed teeth indicated for orthodontic extraction, using a scalpel and a 980-nm diode laser at 2.5 W power, respectively. Subsequently, teeth were extracted, sectioned, and examined by scanning electron microscope to assess the ultrastructural changes.


RESULTS
There were differences in surface morphology among fluorosed and non-fluorosed roots in the control group. The root specimens of both fluorosed and non-fluorosed teeth irradiated by diode laser exhibited no evidence of smear layer, laser-induced pitting or cavitation, linear cuts/markings, carbonization of surface, and heat-induced surface cracking. However, a glazed or slightly melted appearance was observed in root specimens of fluorosed teeth after diode laser irradiation.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that the diode laser-aided CSF procedure is free from thermal hazard on non-fluorosed root surfaces but may provoke some thermal changes on fluorosed root surfaces.
Department of Periodontics, Sri Venkateshwara Dental College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. kunaaldhingra@yahoo.co.in
Kunaal
K
Dhingra
Kharidhi Laxman
KL
Vandana
Polavaram Vasudeva
PV
Girish
Charles
C
Cobb
D000293:Adolescent; D001641:Bicuspid / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D009050:Fluorosis, Dental / Q000473:pathology; D005881:Gingiva / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D013499:Surface Properties / Q000528:radiation effects; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000601:surgery / Q000648:ultrastructure