Assessment of Thermal Alteration during Class V Cavity Preparation Using the Er:YAG Laser

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the pulp thermal alterations during class V cavity preparations using the Er:YAG laser and high-speed water flow. Forty human teeth were selected and prepared for the thermocouple adaptation in the pulp chamber. The specimens were assigned to four groups: (1) laser 300 mJ/3 Hz, (2) laser 300 mJ/4 Hz, (3) high-speed 9 mL/min water flow, and (4) high-speed 100 mL/min water flow. The temperature was measured before the beginning and at the end of the preparation, as well as during the procedures. The groups were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Data analysis disclosed temperature reduction at high-speed drilling with the high-speed total water flow group, and these values were statistically different from the other groups. The results of the 9-mL/min water flow group were similar to those of the 300-mJ/3-Hz group and different from the 300-mJ/4-Hz laser group. The laser promoted a greater increase in temperature only when compared with high-speed handpiece and water flow rate of 100 mL/min.