EFFECT OF ND-YAG LASER IRRADIATION AND ROOT PLANING ON THE ROOT SURFACE - STRUCTURAL AND THERMAL EFFECTS

EFFECTS OF ND:YAG LASER IRRADIATION On untreated and root planed tooth roots were investigated to determine whether a cleaning effect and/or removal of smear layer could be achieved without concomitant microstr uctural or thermal damage. Sixty (60) healthy extracted teeth were eit her untreated, irradiated only, root planed only, or irradiated and ro ot planed. Intra-pulpal and surface temperatures were monitored during irradiation, then SEM was performed. Smear layer elimination was achi eved without inducing hard tissue microstructural damage at 5W, using pulse durations and intervals of 0.1 s, a fluence of 0.77 J/cm(2), and a total energy density of approximately 700 J/cm(2). However, these r esults were not consistent in all samples. At these parameters, intra- pulpal temperature increases of 9 to 22 degrees C and surface temperat ure increases of 18 to 36 degrees C were recorded. Thus, despite their effectiveness for smear layer removal, these parameters may not be ap propriate for clinical use as an adjunct to conventional periodontal t herapy.