Temperature changes in different groups of teeth during cavity preparaton with Er:YAG laser

Abstract

Objective: Various studies have recommended parameters for the use of Er:YAG laser for the treatment of enamel and dentis caries; however, none have studied the increase in temperature caused by laser in individual groups of teeth. Summary Background Data: The effect of preparation with Er:YAG laser on the pulp temperature changes is one of the major problems in using the laser for preparation of dental hard tissue. Methods: The authors studied the intrapulpar temperature changes in 10 incisors, 10 canines, 10 premolars and 10 molars during Class V cavity preparation with focused short pulse (250 μs/pulse) and very short pulse (80-120 μs/pulse) Er:YAG laser, using the following parameters: 10 Hz frequency, 500 mJ per pulse, 6 s, 10 mm distance, 25 ml/min water flow, at 23°C and 65% humidity. Results: The greatest increase in temperature was foundin the incisors and the least increase in the molars at both pulse modes. Conclusions: The very short pulse mode caused less of an increase in temperature in the pulp chamber in all teeth than the short pulse mode.