PULPAL RESPONSE TO CAVITY PREPARATION WITH THE ER-YAG AND MARK-III FREE-ELECTRON LASERS

Objective. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the pulp response to class V cavity preparation with the use of the Er:YAG lase r and free electron laser. Study design. Class V cavities were prepare d in 133 teeth of four beagle dogs by one of three methods: (1) Er:YAG laser, (2) free electron laser, (3) high-speed handpiece. Treatment o ccurred at 1 hour, 1 day, 7 days, and 28 days. The teeth were:removed and the pulp evaluated. Histologically, the data were evaluated with M antel-Haenszel analysis. Results. The Er:YAC laser, free electron lase r, and handpiece treatment groups resulted in specimens with normal or mild pulp reactions in 36, 46, and 42 teeth, respectively; moderate o r severe reactions were observed in 7, 1, and 1 teeth, respectively. N o statistically significant difference in the pulp response to the thr ee treatment modalities was observed. Conclusion. The pulp response to Er:YAG laser and free electron laser application would appear to be s imilar to the response from high-speed handpiece application.