Using laser for cavity preparation has some advantages like reduced pain and vibration during the procedure and providing patient’s comfort which is the key factor in pediatric dentistry. The aim of this study was to compare the microleakage of glass ionomer restored cavities prepared by Er:YAG laser or conventional handpiece.
Methods:
Twenty extracted caries-free deciduous posterior teeth were selected for this study. The teeth were randomly divided in two groups for cavity preparation. Cavities in group one were prepared by high speed turbine and bur. In second group, Er:YAG laser with output power of 3 W , energy of 300 mJ and the frequency of 10 Hz was used. Cavities were restored with GC Fuji II LC. After thermocycling, the samples were immersed in to 0.5% methylene blue solution. They were sectioned to examine under optic microscope.
Results:
The Wilcoxon signed ranks test showed no significant difference between microleakage of laser group and conventional group (P>0.05).
Conclusions:
Er:YAG laser with its advantages in pediatric dentistry can be suggested as an alternative device for cavity preparation.