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Histological evaluation of three techniques for caries removal
Etienne Medioni1, Jean-Paul Rocca, Carlo Fornaini
1Micoralis Laboratory EA 7354, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Nice Sophia Antipolis.
Journal of Oral Science
|December 28, 2016
Summary
The Er:YAG laser and conventional burs effectively removed decayed tooth tissue. Histological analysis showed no significant difference in effectiveness between the Er:YAG laser and rotary instruments for caries removal.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Biomaterials
- Laser applications in medicine
Background:
- Caries removal is crucial for tooth preservation.
- Conventional mechanical methods pose limitations.
- The Er:YAG laser presents a potential alternative for caries excavation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of Er:YAG laser with low-speed rotary instruments (tungsten and polymer burs) for carious tissue removal.
- To evaluate the histological effects of each treatment method on dentin.
Main Methods:
- 26 extracted human molars and premolars with severe decay were used.
- Teeth were sectioned, and halves were randomly assigned to Er:YAG laser, tungsten bur, or polymer bur treatment.
- Caries removal time was recorded, and samples underwent histological examination.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in caries removal time was observed between the Er:YAG laser and rotary instruments.
- Er:YAG laser treatment resulted in a regular 5-µm-thick denatured collagen layer.
- Carbide burs produced a smear layer, while polymer burs left a superficial disorganized layer of affected dentin.
Conclusions:
- Er:YAG laser, tungsten burs, and polymer burs were all clinically and histologically effective in removing infected dentin.
- The Er:YAG laser offers a viable alternative to mechanical caries removal methods.
