Effects of the argon laser on primary tooth pulpotomies in swine

This study evaluated the clinical, radiographic, and histologic effects of the HGM PC Oralase argon laser on vital pulps of swine teeth. Pulpotomies were performed in vivo on 42 primary teeth from three young pigs and observed for 7 or 60 days. For each time period nine experimental teeth received an argon laser dose of 1 W, 2 sec (24.88 J/cm2), and nine experimental teeth received a dose of 2 W, 2 sec (49.74 J/cm2). Controls consisted of three teeth for each time period and did not receive exposure from the argon laser. There were no significant differences noted between the two energy densities with respect to clinical, radiographic, or histological parameters for either time period. All soft tissues remained normal and all teeth exhibited normal mobility at weekly assessments. Other than physiologic root resorption, there were no differences in pre- and postoperative radiographs in the 7 day sample; calcifications coinciding to dentinal bridges were visible radiographically in 8 of the 60-day samples. Reparative dentin formation was noted histologically in a total of 9 roots in the 7-day group and in 13 roots in the 60-day group. With the exception of teeth which had early restoration loss with resultant bacterial contamination, all other pulps appeared to retain their vitality and capability of normal pulpal healing. Use of the argon laser at the parameters described in this study did not appear to be detrimental to pulpal tissues.