IADR Abstract Archives
Quantitative Analysis of Dentin Microhardness Increase Following Er,Cr:YSGG Laser Exposure
Objectives: Empirical case reports raise the importance of incorporating laser in contemporary clinical protocols. However, scientific evidence is a must and a necessary backbone in support of sound clinical practice. The purpose of this study was aimed at evaluating the effect of various laser settings in increasing the microhardness of human root dentin.
Methods: Forty-five dentin disks were randomly and evenly distributed among 9 groups comnbining treatment durations of 1, 3 and 5 seconds with treatment power of 3, 4.5 and 6 watts, at 25 Hz. No water or air was used. Side-firing tips were used as in a clinical environment.
The treated root dentin surfaces were viewed under SEM for descriptive purposes. They were subsequently embedded in epoxy resin and polished. All specimens were subjected to a Vickers hardness tester and microhardness values were recorded.
Results: Mcrohardness values of laser-treated specimens were subjected to.ANOVA, which found the differences in microhardness values to be statistically significant (p < 0.05).. Further analysis revealed treatments at 6 watts for 3 seconds to be the most effective at strengthening root dentin, to levels 3 to 4 times harder than untreated dentin and at times superior to that of enamel.
Conclusions: The findings of this study lead the way as a paradigm shift and pave the path for future experiments aimed at strengthening root dentin during endodontic procedures.
Methods: Forty-five dentin disks were randomly and evenly distributed among 9 groups comnbining treatment durations of 1, 3 and 5 seconds with treatment power of 3, 4.5 and 6 watts, at 25 Hz. No water or air was used. Side-firing tips were used as in a clinical environment.
The treated root dentin surfaces were viewed under SEM for descriptive purposes. They were subsequently embedded in epoxy resin and polished. All specimens were subjected to a Vickers hardness tester and microhardness values were recorded.
Results: Mcrohardness values of laser-treated specimens were subjected to.ANOVA, which found the differences in microhardness values to be statistically significant (p < 0.05).. Further analysis revealed treatments at 6 watts for 3 seconds to be the most effective at strengthening root dentin, to levels 3 to 4 times harder than untreated dentin and at times superior to that of enamel.
Conclusions: The findings of this study lead the way as a paradigm shift and pave the path for future experiments aimed at strengthening root dentin during endodontic procedures.