Iraqi Journal of Laser

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of diode laser (λ=940 nm) in the management of gingival hyperpigmentation compared to the conventional bur method. Materials and methods: Eighteen patients with gingival hyperpigmentation were selected for the study with an age between 12-37 years old. The site of treatment was the upper gingiva using diode laser for the right half and the conventional method for the left half. All patients were re-evaluated after the following intervals: 3 days, 7 days, 1 month and 6 months post-operation. Pain and functions were re-evaluated in each visit for a period of 1 day, 3 days and 1 week post-operation. Laser parameters included 1.5 W in continuous mode with an initiated tip (400 μm) placed in contact with tissues and Power density (irradiance) was 1250 W/cm2. Results: A significant difference was observed in post-operation pain and functions between the groups (Level of significance as: Not significant P>0.05 and Significant P<0.05, highly significant P<0.01). Conclusions: Diode laser is considered an effective treatment in the management of gingival hyperpigmentation compared to the conventional bur method.

The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of 940 nm diode laser in comparison to Endoactivator in elimination of smear layer in terms of radicular dentin permeability and ultra-structural changes of root canal walls by SEM evaluation. Twenty-eight single-rooted extracted lower premolars were instrumented up to size X4 (protaper Next, Dentsaply) and divided into two experimental groups according to the irrigation system, G1; activated by EndoActivator and G2; activated by Diode laser 940 nm, CW mode, 1.7 W. Afterward, the roots were made externally impermeable, filled with 2%methylene blue dye, divided horizontally into three segments representing the apical, middle, and coronal thirds then examined under stereo- microscope. Using analytical software, the root section area and dye penetration area were measured, and then, the percentage of net dye penetration area was calculated. Additionally, scanning electron microscope investigations were accomplished. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was done and showed significant difference between the two experimental groups over the three root thirds and the dye penetration in diode laser group was significantly higher over the whole root length compared to the Endoactivator group. Scanning electron micrographs of diode laser group showed a distinctive removal of smear layer with preservation of the annular structure of dentinal tubules, while EndoActivator group produced uneven removal of smear layer, in efficient cleanliness especially in the apical third.

Introduction: It is found that hypersensitive teeth have a larger number and wider patent tubules than those of non-sensitive teeth. Objective: The aim of this study is to compare between the effects of diode laser at different power densities, with and without sodium fluoride on the sealing of exposed dentinal tubules and dentin permeability. Materials and methods: 118 teeth were used. Samples were divided into three major groups. The first consisted of 100 teeth used for permeability test. The second consisted of 16 teeth for measuring external surface temperature elevation while irradiation. The third, in turn, consisted of one pair of teeth observed under SEM for dentine surface morphology analysis. Results: For dentin permeability measurement, the results revealed a highly significant difference between the control group and 2, 3 W with varnish groups. For the external surface temperature elevation, the results revealed that temperature rise, for both laser alone and with varnish groups, was between (67-97.9 ∘C) at 1.6, 2 W. SEM analysis revealed that approximately optimum sealing of tubules occurred in 2W with the varnish group. Conclusions: The combined application of 940 nm diode laser at 2W with 809.7 W/cm² power densities, with sodium fluoride white varnish show a significant improvement in their effects on dentin permeability reduction as compared to each treatment alone.

Background: High percentage of diabetes patients complain from post extraction hemorrhage. Many types of hemostatic materials are used to stop bleeding after teeth extraction: diode lasers are good hemostatic agents owing to their highly absorption by hemoglobin therefore they are used in soft tissue procedures with relatively no effects on dental hard tissues due to their poorly absorption by water and hydroxyapatite. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of diode laser to assist the clot formation after tooth extraction for type II diabetes patients with minimum temperature elevation to prevent periodontal destruction. Materials and methods: From 12 type II diabetes patients (7 males and 5 females with age mean of 49.5) blood samples are obtained for the pilot study of clot formation and for studying the thermal effects of laser on blood, then the selected dose is applied on the extracted dental sockets of diabetes patients. Results: A significant difference is observed in the temperature of blood before and after laser application; the mean temperature elevation is less thanthe critical temperature of periodontal destruction. Moreover, firm blood clot is formed over the extraction site; the follow up of patients shows good healing with relatively no complications. Conclusions: Diode laser assists in the coagulation of the dental socket after tooth extraction without thermal damage to the periodontium.