Effects of the Nd:YAP laser on coronal restorative materials: implications for endodontic retreatment

With new wavelengths that allow light transmission by optical fibers, the laser is now often used in endodontics either during treatment or retreatment. The aims of this study were to (i) specify the effects of laser irradiation on restorative materials in terms of topographic effects and (ii) describe different protocols for the first steps of retreatment. The laser used in this study was an optical fiber Nd:YAP (Lokki dt, Vienne, France) with a wavelength of 1.34 microns. Samples of the following restorative materials were prepared: amalgam, composite, permanent and temporary cements, and prosthodontic alloy. The handpiece of the Nd:YAP laser was fixed perpendicular to the surface of the different preparations. All trials were performed with the fiber tip either in contact with or at a distance of 2 mm from the material. The surface effects in all cases were (i) the creation of craters in the center of the lased areas, (ii) a border of fusion material at the edge of the craters, and (iii) cracks or fractures at a distance from the target areas. For the cements, amalgam and composite, the effects included a projection of material from the center to the edge of the lased area and/or the apparent photovolatization of light particles. For all materials the laser induced deeper absorption in the areas of direct contact than when it was held at a distance. This suggests that the fiber should be in contact with the restorative material for lasing in the straight part of the canal when the objective is either to pass through the material or alongside it between material and tooth. If the practitioner cannot determine the direction of the curve of the canal, lasing should be performed at a distance to weaken the material and thus permit more efficient use of an ultrasonic device. Lasing should in all cases be performed under close X-ray monitoring. Provided that sufficient caution is used, the laser may be helpful in removing restorative materials during retreatment.