Effects of Irradiation of an Erbium: YAG Laser on Root Surfaces

Abstract

The application of erbium:yag laser (Er:YAG) irradiation has been investigated for periodontal therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Er: YAG laser irradiation on root surfaces using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and to determine the laser's ability to remove lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Infrared spectrophotometry was used to investigate the effects of the laser on LPS applied to root dentin pellets. Premolare extracted for orthodontic reasons were prepared for this study. The crowns were resected below the cemento-enamel junction, longitudinally sectioned, and the contents of the pulp chamber were removed. Then 15 root tips (5X5X1 mm) were classified into 3 groups of 5 each as follows: group 1, tips without any treatment; group 2, planed tips with the cement layers left untouched; and group 3, planed until the dentin surface was disclosed. The center of each specimen was used as the experimental irradiated area and the peripheral area served as a control. The quantity of vapor delivered by Er: YAG laser was highly increased, and the irradiated areas displayed little morphogenetic changes. The lyophilized sample LPS 0111 B4 from E. coli was then mixed with potassium bromide and pressed into a tablet, which was examined at 4,000-650 Kayser. The lyophilized LPS had a peak at 2.94 µ . LPS on the root dentin pellets was cleared away as much as possible by 150 washings in pyrogen-free water using an ultrasonic cleaner. Five µ of 24 EU LPS solution was dropped on the root dentin pellets, which were then irradiated by the Er: YAG laser, and washed using the ultrasonic cleaner in pyrogen-free water. The amount of the extracted LPS solution was determined by spectrophotometer at 405nm. The Er: YAG laser could remove 83.1% of the LPS. This study suggests that Er:YAG laser irradiation might be useful for root conditioning in periodontal therapy. However, clinical testing is necessary to establish what, if any, utility the Er:YAG laser has as a part of periodontal therapy.

Multiple Applications with Er:YAG Laser in Apicoectomy - A Clinical Case Report

“…The application of dental laser is increasingly popular in the endodontic field, and many studies have been demonstrated for their use [21]. Most reports have indicated that laser irradiation is useful for bacterial reduction [22].…”

Root Biomodification in Periodontics - The Changing Concepts

“…The results of the study showed that Er:YAG laser could remove 83% of lipopolysaccharide from the root surface, suggesting Er:YAG laser as a useful root conditioner [81]. Laser application on root surface has a significant effect on fibroblast attachment.…”

“…Lasers have been studied for their effect on root surface [76][77][78][79][80][81][82] as well as for their effects on the behaviour on periodontal ligament cells [83][84][85]. Although, laser therapy has been widely studied in periodontics for pocket debridement, wound healing and in various surgical approaches but there is insufficient data available regarding its efficacy in root surface biomodification when compared with other traditionally used root surface conditioners.…”

Alternative Treatment Approaches in Chronic Periodontitis: Laser Applications

“…Ando et al (1996) observed a bactericidal effect against P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans even at low energy level (Ando et al 1996). Moreover, the wavelength of Er:YAG laser correspond to the peak of absorbance of bacterial lipopolysaccharide, so that the Er:YAG laser can effectively and rapidly remove most of the lipopolysaccharide that coat the teeth (Yamaguchi et al,1997).…”