Pulpal response to cavity preparation with the Er:YAG and Mark III free electron lasers.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the pulp response to class V cavity preparation with the use of the Er:YAG laser and free electron laser. STUDY DESIGN: Class V cavities were prepared in 133 teeth of four beagle dogs by one of three methods: (1) Er:YAG laser, (2) free electron laser, (3) high-speed handpiece. Treatment occurred at 1 hour, 1 day, 7 days, and 28 days. The teeth were removed and the pulp evaluated. Histologically, the data were evaluated with Mantel-Haenszel analysis. RESULTS: The Er:YAG laser, free electron laser, and handpiece treatment groups resulted in specimens with normal or mild pulp reactions in 36, 46, and 42 teeth, respectively; moderate or severe reactions were observed in 7, 1, and 1 teeth, respectively. No statistically significant difference in the pulp response to the three treatment modalities was observed. CONCLUSION: The pulp response to Er:YAG laser and free electron laser application would appear to be similar to the response from high-speed handpiece application.

Duke Scholars

Author Bruce Klitzman Surgery, Plastic, Maxillofacial, and Oral Surgery