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Intrapulpal temperature during preparation with the Er:YAG laser: an in vitro study
Vinícius R Geraldo-Martins1, Edgar Y Tanji, Niklaus U Wetter
1Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Photomedicine and Laser Surgery
|May 25, 2005
Summary
The Er:YAG laser can cause acceptable intrapulpal temperature increases in dentine. Water cooling is essential to prevent dentine carbonization during laser irradiation.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Laser dentistry
- Biomedical engineering
Background:
- The Er:YAG laser is a tool for dental hard tissue preparation.
- Intrapulpal temperature increase is a major concern for Er:YAG laser use in dentistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate intrapulpal temperature variations during dentine irradiation with an Er:YAG laser.
- To assess the impact of different laser parameters and water cooling on temperature changes.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-two bovine incisors were prepared with 2.0 mm thick buccal dentine.
- Teeth were irradiated with Er:YAG laser at varying frequencies (2, 4, 6 Hz) and energies (250-350 mJ) with or without water cooling.
- Intrapulpal temperature was monitored using thermocouples.
Main Results:
- Water cooling significantly decreased intrapulpal temperature in Group I (2 Hz) and at 350 mJ/4 Hz.
- Other irradiation settings without water cooling resulted in temperature increases from 0.03°C to 2.5°C.
- Dark lesions, indicative of carbonization, were observed on dentine irradiated without water cooling.
Conclusions:
- Er:YAG laser irradiation can lead to acceptable intrapulpal temperature increases.
- Water cooling is crucial to avoid dentine carbonization and potential thermal damage.
- The study advises against using the Er:YAG laser without water cooling for dental hard tissue preparation.