Erbium Laser Research Articles

Assessment of Efficacy on the Treatment of Localized Vitiligo With a Combination of 308 nm Excimer Light and 2940 Erbium Laser: A Retrospective Study.

A 308 nm excimer light is an effective treatment for vitiligo, with fewer treatment times, rapid obvious effects, relatively complete pigment recovery, good patient compliance, and safe and effective treatment for children. The disadvantage of this treatment is that some patients have a plateau during which the skin lesion reduction rate slows down or stalls after multiple treatments. Treatment data were collected from all vitiligo patients in the Dermatology Department, distinguishing between those who underwent 308 nm excimer light treatment alone and those who received a combination of 308 nm excimer light and 2940 erbium laser treatment. Of the 104 patients, 60 were treated with 308 nm excimer light only, and 44 were treated with a combination of a 2940 erbium laser and 308 nm excimer light. In contrast to the treatment of 308 nm excimer light alone, the combined treatment of the 2940 erbium laser and 308 nm excimer light significantly increased the speed and degree of repigmentation in vitiligo. Our study demonstrates that the combination of 308 nm excimer light and 2940 nm erbium laser treatment can improve the treatment response for vitiligo, decrease the occurrence of treatment plateaus associated with 308 nm excimer light, and improve efficacy. ChiCTR2000036712 (24/08/2020).

Use of phototechnologies in the treatment of diffuse alopecia

Today, diffuse alopecia is considered a multifactorial dermatosis, in the development of which an important role is played by a genetic determinant with a polygenic inheritance system with a determining effect of provoking factors, through the action of which a predisposition to hair loss is realized. The purpose of this study is the scientific substantiation and development of a combined method including fractional laser therapy, transvenous blood irradiation and minoxidil for the treatment of patients with diffuse telogen effluvium. Based on the data obtained, it can be concluded that the greatest impact on the indicators of the microcirculation efficiency index is exerted by combined therapy with an erbium laser, transcutaneous laser blood irradiation and external use of minoxidil. In second place is an erbium laser and external use of minoxidil, in 3rd place is transcutaneous laser blood irradiation and external use of minoxidil, in 4th place is external use of minoxidil.

The Effectiveness of Early Treatment With Intense Pulsed Light Combined With Fractional Erbium Laser in Preventing Post-traumatic Hypertrophic Scar Formation.

Once scars form and begin to proliferate, treatment becomes challenging. Traditional methods of scar treatment often provide suboptimal results. Therefore, early intervention has become widely accepted, with a focus on prevention during the wound-healing phase rather than later treatment. Here, the authors evaluate the effectiveness of early treatment with intense pulsed light (IPL) combined with fractional erbium laser in preventing the formation of post-traumatic hypertrophic scars. A total of 120 patients who underwent emergency cosmetic suture surgery for facial trauma between January 2019 and December 2021 were selected for the study. The control group received conventional antiscar therapy (pressure therapy or antiscar medication), while the observation group received IPL combined with fractional erbium laser in addition to the conventional treatment. The specific treatment doses were adjusted based on the patient's age, scar color, texture, and thickness. A treatment course consisted of 3 to 5 sessions, with 4-week intervals between treatments. Follow-up was conducted within 1 year after treatment to assess the improvement in scar appearance before and after therapy. After IPL combined with fractional erbium laser treatment, patients in the observation group showed significantly lower scores in color, thickness, vascular distribution, softness, and total scores on the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) compared with the control group. During the follow-up, 3 complications were observed: 2 cases of skin blisters and 1 case of pigmentation. No immediate skin lesions, depigmentation, infections, ulcers, or other adverse reactions were reported. For patients with early-stage superficial scars following trauma surgery, early treatment with IPL combined with fractional erbium laser not only leads to significant improvements in appearance and effectively prevents hypertrophic scar formation but also promotes rapid recovery with few complications. This approach has clinical value.

Effects of laser treatment on bond strength of epoxy resin and calcium silicate-based sealers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies.

This study aimed to systematically review the effect of laser treatment on the bond strength of epoxy resin-based and calcium silicate-based endodontic sealers to root dentine. The search encompassed four databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science. Inclusion criteria were limited to in vitro studies conducted on extracted human teeth evaluating bond strength in megapascals (MPa) of either epoxy resin-based or calcium silicate-based sealers, using the push-out test. Two independent reviewers appraised the methodological quality of the selected studies to assess the risk of bias. Meta-analysis was performed for different laser types, endodontic sealers, and control groups. Standard Mean Difference and 95% Confidence Interval values were calculated. 17 studies met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis, and 15 for quantitative analysis. Meta-analyses revealed that certain lasers (Er,Cr:YSGG, Er:YAG) significantly increased bond strength for epoxy resin-based sealers when compared to negative controls (inert solutions), but did not show a significant advantage over EDTA agent. For calcium silicate-based sealers, laser treatment did not show significant enhancement in bond strength compared to either inert solutions or EDTA. The subgroup analysis suggested that erbium lasers, especially in the PIPS mode, potentially increase the bond strength of epoxy resin-based sealers. Laser treatment enhances the bond strength of epoxy resin-based sealers compared to inert solutions, but not more than EDTA. For calcium silicate-based sealers, laser treatment does not significantly improve bond strength over inert solutions or EDTA. Laser treatment increases the bond strength of epoxy resin-based sealers.

Complex application of high-intensity phototechnologies in the treatment of diffuse alopecia

The purpose of the study. The issues of treatment of patients with diffuse alopecia are being actively investigated at the present time. Promising in this regard are laser technologies, including in combination with drugs, which determined the relevance of this study. The aim of the study was to scientifically substantiate and develop a combined method including fractional laser therapy, intravenous blood irradiation and minoxidil for the treatment of patients with diffuse telogenetic alopecia. Materials and methods. To study the effectiveness of laser technologies, 4 treatment regimens were analyzed. A total of 177 patients with an established diagnosis of diffuse telogenetic alopecia were under observation. To study the effectiveness and safety of the developed combined method, as well as its components, a visual hair loss scale (VSHVV) was used in the study. Results. The best result in patients with mild severity was obtained in the combination therapy group, where the dynamics was 36.9 %. While in the group using erbium and neodymium lasers, the dynamics was 25 %, in the group where percutaneous laser irradiation of blood was used –21.1 %, in the control group — 19.3 %. The best result in patients with severe severity was obtained in the combination therapy group, where the dynamics was 70.8 %. While in the group using erbium and neodymium lasers, the dynamics was 60.8 %, in the group using percutaneous laser irradiation of blood –57.7 %, in the control group 55.7 %. Conclusion. Thus, the developed method of combined therapy of patients with mild and severe diffuse alopecia is highly effective and can be recommended for use in a wide clinical practice.

Using high-intensity phototechnology as a method of treating mild to severe diffuse alopecia

Purpose of the study. Publications on the use of laser technologies are isolated and additional studies on representative samples and with an assessment of the stability of the effects of laser therapy are needed to confirm their effectiveness. The aim of the study was the scientific substantiation and development of a combined method including fractional laser therapy, intravenous blood irradiation and minoxidil for the treatment of patients with diffuse telogen effluvium. Material and methods: To study the effectiveness of laser technologies, 4 treatment regimens were analyzed. A total of 177 patients with an established diagnosis of diffuse telogen effluvium were observed. The work used the DIQOL index (dermatological index of quality of life), which is a universal tool for assessing quality of life indicators in various skin diseases. Results: The data obtained show that the relief of clinical symptoms in diffuse alopecia improves the psycho-emotional state and increases the quality of life of patients, which is confirmed by the improvement in the dynamics of the DIQOL index in all study groups: in the group using erbium and neodymium lasers, the dynamics were 27.2 % / 41.2 %, in the group where transcutaneous laser irradiation of blood was used — 20 % / 29.4 %, in the control group 9.1 % / 23.5 %. The best result was obtained in the combination therapy group, where the dynamics were 45.4 % and 52.9 %, with a mild and severe degree, respectively.

Efficacy of Fractional Erbium Laser Combined with PRP Therapy in the Treatment of Melasma: A Comparative Study

Background: The combination of fractional Erbium laser therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has shown efficacy in treating skin conditions such as melasma. Erbium laser regenerates and remodels tissue stimulate rejuvenation, while PRP can improve healing and skin regeneration. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of fractional erbium laser combined with PRP therapy in the treatment of melasma. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Dermatology, Bangladesh Specialist Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from May 2022 to April 2024, including 60 melasma patients. Participants were divided into two groups of 30 each: Group A received only Fractional Erbium Laser therapy, while Group B received the therapy combined with PRP. Result: In this study, mean ages in group A and group B were 35.8 (± 8.2) and 36.4 (± 7.9), respectively. Initial MASI scores were 15.2 (± 3.6) for group A and 15.5 (± 3.4) for group B. Significant MASI reduction was seen in the group B at 7.2 (± 2.4) versus 9.5 (± 2.5) in the group A (p = 0.02). Satisfaction was higher in group B, with 30% reporting “very satisfied” versus 10% in the group A (p = 0.04). Adverse events, including erythema and PIH, were lower in group B. Recurrence rates at three months favored group B (80% no recurrence, p = 0.04). Conclusion: The study concludes that combining Fractional Erbium Laser therapy with PRP significantly enhances treatment outcomes for melasma compared to laser monotherapy.

1.8 mJ pulses at 1560 nm based on a 55 µm core pure-erbium-doped VLMA fiber.

Despite the increasing demand for high-energy erbium lasers for LIDAR imaging applications, the scaling of the current Er-Yb co-doped technology is still hindered by a 1 µm parasitic emission. In this study, we present the first, to the best of our knowledge, utilization of the REPUSIL powder synthesis method to fabricate a 55 µm double-clad fiber with a remarkably large modal area. Doped solely with erbium and free of ytterbium, its estimated cladding absorption is 2 dB/m at 976 nm, enabling short amplification lengths. We demonstrate its potential through direct amplification of a GHz femtosecond laser (M2 = 1.12) and notably, the generation of 1.8 mJ, 37 ns Q-switched pulses in oscillator configuration (M2 = 1.46).

Surgical Management of Moderate Rhinophyma with Nasal Nodules: An Electrosurgery Approach

Introduction: Rhinophyma, a severe manifestation of rosacea, is characterized by hypertrophy of sebaceous glands and fibrosis of the nose, often leading to significant aesthetic and functional impairments. Surgical treatment is the preferred approach for advanced cases to restore nasal appearance and function. Case Report: We present the case of a 60-year-old man with moderate rhinophyma and nodules on the nostrils. Surgical management under local anesthesia involved the use of thermal loops for excision of the lesions and bipolar electrosurgery for hemostasis. The patient was also treated for rosacea with topical agents, including metronidazole and azelaic acid, and oral doxycycline for inflammatory lesions. Directed healing followed the surgery, along with LED phototherapy and ablative erbium laser sessions to optimize results. Discussion: The use of thermal loops and electrosurgery allowed for precise excision and control of bleeding. Postoperative care, including daily greasy vaseline dressings, facilitated rapid healing. Mild infection at the excision sites was treated with topical and prophylactic antibiotics. Six sessions of LED therapy combining four types of light (infrared, red, yellow, and blue) improved healing and reduced inflammation. Ablative erbium laser was proposed to further enhance the aesthetic outcome. Conclusion: A combined surgical approach and careful postoperative management yielded satisfactory results in the treatment of rhinophyma.

SEM comparison of hard tissue preparations by erbium lasers

SEM comparison of hard tissue preparations by erbium lasers

Vaginal erbium laser versus pelvic floor exercises for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse: A randomised controlled trial

ObjectivesTo compare the efficacy of Er:YAG laser for mild to moderate pelvic organ prolapse (POP) to that of pelvic floor exercises (PFE). DesignSingle center randomised controlled trial. SettingTertiary center, Belgium. ParticipantsForty-six women with mild to moderate prolapse were enrolled (23 in each group). There were no missing data for the primary outcome; three patients were lost to follow-up at 24-months. InterventionsComparison of vaginal laser treatment (3–6 applications) to PFE (9–18 sessions). Main outcome measuresSubjective change in prolapse symptoms at four months from baseline measured by the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory-6 (POPDI-6) (primary), adverse events, other subjective outcomes and independent anatomical assessment up to 24 months. ResultsThe mean difference in POPDI-6 scores at 4 months was 1.09 (95 %CI = −6.02;8.12), showing non-inferiority of laser to PFE (p = 0.004). Within groups, the difference in mean POPDI-6 four months following the start of therapy tended to be lower for laser-treatment (65.2 % (15/23) of laser-participants were ‘better’ or ‘much better’) than for PFE (60.9 % (14/23) in the PFE group), yet without difference between groups (OR = 1.21; 95 %CI = 0.39–3.23). There were no obvious between group differences in any other subjective nor objective outcomes. At 24 months, 50 % (11/22) of laser-patients and 43 % (9/21) of PFE-patients requested additional, yet alternative treatment. There were no serious adverse events at any time-point. ConclusionsVaginal laser application and PFE improve symptoms of mild and moderate prolapse to a similar extent. Both treatments had a measurable yet not durable effect. There were no adverse events in either arm. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov(NCT04523298). FundingThe laser device was provided by Fotona, Slovenia for the duration of this trial.

Evaluating the Impact of Modern Laser Technologies on Dentistry in European Union Countries

Introduction: In dentistry, understanding laser wavelength interactions with oral tissues enhances patient management. Over two decades, lasers have been used in dental practices for diagnostics, caries detection, calculus identification, hard tissue cutting, and root canal disinfection. They reduce patient anxiety and the need for anesthesia in hard tissue applications Aim. The objective of this research is to provide a review on how European dentistry has been affected by the use of modern laser technology between 2020 and 2024. This was done by classifying the types of lasers, examining their uses in different dental treatments, investigating the problems that may arise as a result, and appraising the benefits for oral health and patient outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted from 2020 to 2024, focusing on modern laser technologies in dentistry within European countries. Using the PRISMA flow diagram, studies were identified, screened, and included based on keywords related to dentistry and laser technologies. Initial searches identified 17,130 records, narrowed down to 27 relevant studies through various criteria. Inclusion required studies to focus on dental laser applications in specified European countries, published between 2020 and 2024, and be peer-reviewed. Results: The review covered studies from 2020 to 2024, highlighting various dental specialties and laser technologies like Erbium, CO2, Diode, Nd, Excimer, and Fiber lasers. Findings indicated lasers improved precision, reduced discomfort, and enhanced patient outcomes with minimal postoperative pain and faster recovery times. Noted risks included thermal damage and specific complications like bleeding and pain. Conclusions: The review highlights lasers' transformative potential in EU dental care, offering precision and improved outcomes. Future research should standardize protocols, assess long-term benefits and risks, focus on safety, and integrate patient-centered outcomes to enhance the evidence base supporting laser technologies in routine dental care.

Discrete Mathematics in Dynamic Network Analysis: Long-Term Efficacy Evaluation of Fotona Laser Therapy for Overactive Bladder Syndrome Using Clustering-Based Patient Subgroup Identification.

Dynamic network analysis, a state-of-the-art application of discrete mathematics, offers unprecedented insight into complex, time-evolving clinical data. This technical report demonstrates the value of evaluating the long-term efficacy of Fotona laser therapy (Fotona d.o.o., Ljubljana, Slovenia) in overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome. We analyzed data from 101 female patients aged ≥60 years who underwent Fotona laser treatment, including Vaginal Erbium Laser (VEL) and Urethral Erbium Laser (UEL), between 2020 and 2022. OAB symptom scores (OABSS) were collected at baseline (T0) and at six, 12, 18, and 24 months post treatment. Network graphs were constructed, representing patients as nodes, and symptom similarities as edges. Clustering techniques identify patient subgroups, whereas principal component analysis reduces dimensionality. The dynamic evolution of patient clusters was visualized through changes in average degree centrality over time. This approach revealed three distinct patient clusters with unique treatment response patterns. The results showed a progressive reduction in OABSS, with the total score decreasing by 2.82 ± 3.03 at 24 months. Our method provides novel visualization and analysis of complex longitudinal clinical data, offering insights into personalized treatment strategies for OAB. This report presents one of the first applications of discrete mathematics and dynamic network analysis to evaluate the long-term outcomes of Fotona laser therapy for OAB and introduces an innovative perspective for clinical decision-making in urogynecology.

Hepta-cross-ring based erbium laser with stable single-mode oscillation in L-band range

In this research, a hepta-cross-ring based erbium-doped fiber (EDF) laser is designed and studied to achieve continuous-wave (CW) and single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) tunability in L-band region. The hepta-cross-ring design can introduce the mode-filter function caused by the Vernier effect to effectively suppress dense multi-longitudinal-mode (MLM). Due to the L-band erbium gain medium, the wavelength-tuning range of the fiber laser is achieved from 1567.6 to 1612.0 nm. Furthermore, the output implementations of optical signal to noise ratio (OSNR), corresponding power, stability and wavelength linewidth in the proposed fiber laser are also measured and discussed.

A comparison of surgical scar treatment using various combinations of autologous fat, hyaluronic acid and resurfacing with the 1540 nm non-ablative Erbium laser – a prospective pilot study

ABSTRACT Scars can cause aesthetic or functional disturbance. Several interventions had been described to improve their appearance. We propose that the combination of some of those treatments can synergize their effects on the scar. We designed a prospective pilot study with ten patients using the patient as their own control to compare different interventions. In each patient, the scar was divided into four parts treated differently: 1. No treatment (control), 2. Fat grafting only, 3. Fat grafting and Hyaluronic Acid (HA), 4. Fat grafting, HA and with a non-fractional laser. Each part of the scar was evaluated by the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Treatment of the scar with the combination of the three modalities showed better results in the observer scale. In addition, a combination of fat injection, HA, and subsequent skin resurfacing with non-ablative laser showed better outcomes for all parameters on the Observer Scale except vascularity, while on the Patient Scale thickness, relief, pliability, surface area, and overall measurement were better. The combination of all three treatments tends to improve scarring results and appears to be safe and effective. However, further studies with larger samples are needed to explore the potential use of this combined treatment.

Intradermal Delivery of Calcium Hydroxylapatite With Fractionated Ablation.

The absorption of biostimulatory particulate matter following its application to fractional skin defects remains poorly understood, and even less is known about its in vivo impact in terms of tissue integration. The objectives of this study are twofold: (1) to evaluate the potential of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) to penetrate through skin treated with a fractional laser; and (2) to assess the effectiveness of clinical laser scanning microscopy technologies in monitoring the effects of such treatment over time. One area on a volunteer's arm was treated with a fractional erbium laser (Sciton Inc., Palo Alto, CA), while a second area received the same laser treatment followed by CaHA topical application. We used reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and multiphoton microscopy (MPM) to noninvasively image beneath the surface of the treated skin to study and monitor the effects of these treatments within 1 h of treatment and at four additional time points over a 6-week period. One hour posttreatment, at different depths beneath the skin surface, MPM and RCM provided similar visualizations of laser-induced channels. In skin treated by both laser and CaHA, these two imaging methods provided complementary information. RCM captured the lateral and depth distribution of CaHA microspheres and were seen as bright spheres as they became incorporated into the healing tissue. MPM, meanwhile, visualized the CaHA microparticles as dark shadow spheres within the laser-induced channels and encroaching healing tissue. Furthermore, MPM provided critical information about collagen regeneration around the microspheres, with the collagen visually marked by its distinct second harmonic generation (SHG) signal. This observational pilot study demonstrates that CaHA, a collagen stimulator used as a dermal filler, can not only be inserted into the dermis after fractional laser treatment but remains in the healing skin for at least 6 weeks posttreatment. The noninvasive imaging techniques RCM and MPM successfully captured the presence of CaHA microspheres mid-dermis during the healing phase. They also demonstrated new collagen production around the microspheres, highlighting the effectiveness of these imaging approaches in monitoring such treatment over time.

ATR-FTIR spectroscopy imaging of bone repair in mandibular laser-osteotomy.

The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness of attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy in the characterization of bone repair in mandibular osteotomy using erbium, chromium-doped yttrium, scandium, gallium and garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser and multilaminate drill on each side. Two mandible bone fragments were removed from 30 rabbits, and the process of bone repair was studied immediately, 3, 7, 15, 21, and 28 days after the surgery. The histological analysis allowed detecting differences in the early stages of tissue repair after bone cutting performed with the Er,Cr:YSGG laser or multilaminate drill. The ATR-FTIR spectroscopy technique was sensitive to changes in the organic content of bone tissue repair process.

Comparative effects of the conventional, ultrasonic, and laser-activated irrigation on penetration depth of three photosensitizers in the root canal system

ObjectivesThis study compared the effects of conventional, ultrasonic, and laser-activated irrigation (LAI) on penetration depth of three photosensitizers (PSs) in the root canal system. Materials and MethodsIn this in vitro, experimental study, 120 extracted anterior teeth were decoronated such that the remaining root length was standardized at 12 mm. After root canal instrumentation with the ProTaper rotary system and irrigation with 5.25% NaOCl, the roots were assigned to 12 groups for the application of toluidine blue (TB), curcumin, and phycocyanin PSs combined with the LAI using erbium laser with 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm tips, ultrasonic activation, and conventional irrigation. The specimens were sectioned apicocoronally, and the dye penetration depth was quantified in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds under a stereomicroscope at x20 magnification. Data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn test (alpha=0.05). ResultsThe effects of irrigation technique, PS type, and their interaction on dye penetration depth were significant at the apical, middle, and coronal thirds (P < 0.0001). TB + LAI with 0.4- and 0.6-mm laser tips showed the highest penetration depth while phycocyanin + LAI or conventional irrigation showed the lowest penetration depth at all areas. Dye penetration depth was the highest in the coronal, and the lowest in the apical third. ConclusionThe LAI technique with erbium laser (0.4- and 0.6-mm tips) enhanced the penetration depth of TB. The tested irrigation techniques had no significant efficacy for enhancement of the penetration depth of curcumin and phycocyanin.

A Comparative Study on the Safety and Efficacy of Erbium Laser Therapy Versus Traditional Treatments in Managing Dentin Hypersensitivity: An Observational Study.

Background This study aimed to explore the potential efficacy and safety of laser therapy compared with traditional desensitizing treatments in the management of dentin hypersensitivity. Methodology A comprehensive observational study was conducted on 138 adult individuals aged 18-65 diagnosed with dentin hypersensitivity. Participants were allocated to either the laser therapy or traditional treatment group. The laser therapy group received treatment using the Fotona LightWalker® Erbium laser at 2,940 nm. The energy density was set at 20 J/cm² using continuous and contact modes, with the laser tip held perpendicularly to the irradiated site. Each session lasted five minutes, conducted bi-weekly for three months. Traditional treatment included the in-office application of 5% sodium fluoride varnish application once every 15 days for three months and the use of desensitizing toothpaste as part of regular oral hygiene routines. Follow-up assessments were conducted 6 and 12 months post-treatment to evaluate the longevity and stability of the treatment effects. Primary outcomes were assessed by dentin hypersensitivity reduction measured using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores and tactile hypersensitivity assessments. Results Laser therapy consistently surpassed traditional treatment in reducing dentin hypersensitivity, as reflected by the significantly lower VAS scores. Notably, at 3, 6, and 12 months, laser therapy demonstrated mean VAS scores of 2.5 (±1.5), 1.2 (±0.9), and 0.6 (±0.5), respectively, while the traditional treatment group exhibited higher scores (3.8 ± 1.2, 4.5 ± 1.0, and 4.0 ± 0.7, respectively). Statistical analysis revealed that these differences were highly significant (p < 0.001). Tactile hypersensitivity assessments echoed these findings, with laser therapy consistently maintaining lower scores (0.8 ± 0.7 at 6 months, 0.4 ± 0.3 at 12 months) compared to traditional treatment (3.5 ± 1.0 at 6 months, 4.0 ± 0.7 at 12 months) with statistical significance at all time points (p < 0.001). Conclusions Although this study lacks a randomized controlled design, the observed substantial reduction in VAS scores and tactile hypersensitivity assessments, along with the favorable safety profile of laser therapy, suggest its potential as an effective alternative for managing dentin hypersensitivity.

Comparative Evaluation of Clinical and Microbiological Assessment of Caries Excavation Using Conventional, Smart Bur, Chemomechanical Method and ErCr:YSGG Laser

ABSTRACT Objectives: Caries removal efficacy in terms of microbiological burden using Tungsten Carbide Bur No. 330, Polymer bur, BRIX 3000, and ErCr:YSGG Laser. Methods: Class I open dentinal caries was selected and divided into four groups (n = 15) depending on caries excavation methods. Group I: Tungsten carbide (TC) No 330-bur; Group II: Polymer bur (Smart bur); Group III: Brix 3000 gel; Group IV: Erbium, chromium-doped yttrium, scandium, gallium, and garnet (Er:Cr:YSGG) laser. Two samples of carious material, before and after caries excavation, were taken and cultured on blood agar plates. Multiple comparison of mean CFUs/ml between different groups was done using Dunn’s post hoc test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Group I showed significantly lesser mean CFUs/ml followed by Group IV as compared to Group II and Group III. Conclusion: Within the parameters and limitations of the present study, ErCr:YSGG laser can be a helpful aid as a minimally invasive method of caries excavation.