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Root substance removal with Er:YAG laser radiation at different parameters using a new delivery system
M Folwaczny1, A Mehl, C Haffner
1Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany. mfolwa@dent-med.uni-muenchen.de
Journal of Periodontology
|March 11, 2000
Summary
The Er:YAG laser effectively removes calculus from root surfaces with no thermal damage, offering a promising alternative to conventional dental instruments. This laser technology shows potential for future periodontal therapy.
Area of Science:
- Dental Laser Technology
- Periodontal Therapy
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Erbium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Er:YAG) laser radiation presents a novel approach for dental hard tissue treatment.
- Its thermo-mechanical ablation properties and minimal thermal side effects make it a promising alternative.
- This study investigates Er:YAG laser efficacy in calculus removal from root surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of Er:YAG laser radiation in removing subgingival calculus.
- To assess the impact of different energy densities on root substance removal.
- To examine laser-induced ultrastructural changes on root surfaces using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Main Methods:
- Fifty extracted teeth were divided into calculus (Group A) and non-calculus (Group B) groups.
- Er:YAG laser (2.94 µm wavelength) delivered 300 pulses at varying energy levels (60-150 mJ).
- Root substance removal was quantified using 3D laser scanning; SEM assessed surface integrity.
Main Results:
- Calculus removal depths ranged from 174.38 to 501.85 µm.
- Root substance removal depths in non-calculus teeth ranged from 37.78 to 484.44 µm.
- SEM analysis confirmed no thermal damage (melting, fusion, cracking) on laser-treated root surfaces.
Conclusions:
- Er:YAG laser substance removal at lower energy densities is comparable to conventional curet instrumentation.
- Selective calculus removal is achievable with lower laser energy densities.
- Favorable SEM results suggest potential future applications of Er:YAG lasers in periodontal therapy.