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Ablative Potential of Er:YAG Laser in Dentin: Quantum Versus Variable Square Pulse
Anja Baraba1, Dan Nathanson2, Jurica Matijevic1
11 Department of Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine , Zagreb, Croatia .
Photomedicine and Laser Surgery
|April 9, 2016
Summary
Quantum square pulse (QSP) laser settings, particularly QSP at 500mJ and the X-Runner handpiece, demonstrated superior dentin ablation efficiency. All tested Er:YAG laser modes effectively removed smear layer from dentin surfaces.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Biomedical Engineering
- Laser Physics
Background:
- Limited data exists on Er:YAG laser efficiency for human dentin ablation.
- Novel handpieces and pulse modes require comparative analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare dentin ablation volume and rate between Quantum Square Pulse (QSP) and Variable Square Pulse (VSP) Er:YAG laser modes.
- Evaluate the impact of a new digitally controlled dental laser handpiece (X-Runner).
- Analyze dentin surface morphology using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
Main Methods:
- 72 human molars were divided into QSP and VSP groups.
- QSP used 250/500mJ pulse energy; VSP used SSP, MSP, SP pulse durations.
- Ablation performed at 1, 2, and 5-second intervals; volumes measured by laser triangulation; surfaces analyzed by SEM.
Main Results:
- QSP at 500mJ showed significantly higher ablation volume and rate at 1 and 2 seconds (p<0.0001).
- At 5 seconds, X-Runner and QSP-500mJ were most efficient for dentin ablation (p<0.0001).
- All tested Er:YAG laser modes resulted in smear layer-free dentin surfaces.
Conclusions:
- QSP-500mJ and the X-Runner handpiece are the most efficient Er:YAG laser modes for dentin ablation.
- All tested laser modes effectively cleaned dentin surfaces, leaving them free of smear layer.
