[Pulp reactions during Erbium YAG laser irradiation of hard tooth structure]

The Er:YAG Laser is an effective tool for removing hard tooth structure without causing any measurable degree of thermal damage. In view of the fact that the process of ablation basically depends on thermal effects, pulpal microcirculation was studied by Laser-Doppler flowmetry during Er:YAG Laser irradiation. Rat incisors were used to demonstrate that pulp damage can be avoided if correct laser parameters are used for preparing enamel and dentin.