Periodontitis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Periodontitis, including details on treatment, causes, gingivitis, symptoms.

Effect of Er:YAG laser on diseased root surfaces: an in vivo study.

Crespi R, Barone A, Covani U

Department of Biophysical, Medical and Odontostomatological Sciences and Technologies, Medical School, University of Genova, Genova, Italy. robcresp@libero.it

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to observe in vivo the effects of two different power settings of an Er:YAG laser on pockets of periodontally involved root surfaces using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). METHODS: Thirty-two teeth with severe periodontal disease scheduled for extraction were divided into three groups: group A was irradiated with an energy of 140 mJ, 10 Hz; group B with 160 mJ 10 Hz; group C was used as controls. Morphological changes on the treated root surfaces were evaluated using SEM observations to assess laser-induced ultrastructural changes. RESULTS: All surfaces treated in both groups showed a homogeneous and smooth root surface morphology. The surface alterations were very similar with both energy values used. CONCLUSION: Er:YAG laser irradiation performed with two different power settings of root surfaces in vivo showed at the SEM observation a complete absence of debris and smooth root surfaces.

Published 16 August 2005 in J Periodontol, 76(8): 1386-90.
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