Studies & Cases
The benefits of lasers in dentistry
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature to check the influence of low level laser (LLL) on orthodontic movement and pain control in humans, and what dose ranges are effective for pain control and increased speed of orthodontic movement. Methods: Computerized and manual searches were conducted up to January 4, 2014 for clinical studies that addressed these objectives. The selection criteria required that these studies (1) be prospective controlled clinical trials (CCT) and randomized clinical trials (RCT); (2) only use LLL in both infrared and visible red wavelengths, a laser with emission of constant wave; (3) have all main parameters of dose described, or at least conditions for calculation of the energy, in Joules; and (4) be published in Portuguese, English, or Spanish and be meta-analyses.
Background and Objectives: Low-intensity laser therapy (LILT) has been studied in many fields of dentistry, but to our knowledge, this is the first time that its effects on orthodontic movement velocity inhumansare investigated.
Study Design/Patients and Methods: Eleven patients were recruited for this 2-month study. One half of the upper arcade was considered control group (CG) and received mechanical activation of the canine teeth every 30 days.
- Review of Literature for Er,Cr:YSGG lasers in Endodontics
Total elimination of bacteriafrom infected root-canal systems remains the most important objective of endodontic therapy. However, in spite of a plethora of new products and techniques, achieving this objective continues to elude our profession. Historically, endodontic treatment focused on root canal disinfection with “entombment” of remainingbacteria within dentinal tubules and inaccessible areas of the root-canal system.
Abstract: Treatment of Gingival Pigmentation with Er,Cr:YSGG Laser Berk, G./Atici, K./Berk, N. Purpose: Melanin hyperpigmented gingiva is an esthetic problem in many individuals, particularly if the hyperpigmentation is on the facial aspect of gingiva and visible during smile and speech, especially in patients with gummy smiles. Gingival depigmentation has been carried out using surgical, chemical, electrosurgical, and cryosurgical procedures. The two cases presented here show the successful depigmentation using an Er,Cr:YSGG laser, and a short follow-up period (6 months) for repigmentation results.
Abstract:
Background: Laser irradiation has been introduced in endodontic treatment due to its bactericidal effect. The aim of this study is to evaluate the bactericidal efficacy of a 940 nm diode laser alone or in combination with 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) against mature biofilms of E. Faecalis.
Methods: Sixty-eight (60 for the three groups, 4 for SEM and 4 as negative controls) single-rooted human central incisors were prepared and contaminated with E. Faecalis. After two weeks of incubation, specimens were randomly divided in three groups; group 1 (n =20), the teeth were irradiated with a 940 nm diode laser; group 2 (n=20), specimens were rinsed with 5% NaOCl; group 3 (n=20), the teeth were rinsed with 5% NaOCl and then were irradiated with 940 nm diode laser. Four teeth were used to observe the biofilms by SEM. Intracanal bacteria sampling was done, and the samples were plated to determinate the CFU count.
