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This paper describes a clinical case of labial frenectomy using different high power lasers: diode (810 nm) and Er:YAG (2940 nm). Considerations are made about specific indications, surgery techniques, and advantages of labial frenectomy using these laser wavelengths. The diode laser has high absorbance by pigmented tissues with hemoglobin, melanin, and collagen chromophores. For this reason, this wavelength is well indicated for surgery in soft tissue (vaporization, incision, coagulation, hemostasis). It is not properly absorbed, however, and should never be used in contact with hard tissues (bone). The Er:YAG laser has high absorbance to water and mineral apatite, making this wavelength useful and safe for the ablation of hard tissues. In the labial frenectomy clinical procedure, a combined technique is suggested: using the diode laser in soft tissues and the Er:YAG laser in periosteal bone tissues and for removal of final collagen fibers. It is important for the professional to understand the physical characteristics of the different laser wavelengths and their interaction with biological tissues to assure that they are used in a safe way, and that the benefits of this technology can be provided to infant patients.

Background: The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of Er:YAG and diode laser treatments of the root surface on intrapulpal temperature after scaling and root planing with hand instruments., Methods: Fifteen extracted single-rooted teeth were scaled and root planed with hand instruments. The teeth were divided into 3 groups of 5 each and irradiated on their buccal and lingual surfaces: group A: Er:YAG laser, 2.94 microm/100 mJ/10 Hz/30 seconds; group B: diode laser, 810 nm/1.0 W/0.05 ms/30 seconds; group C: diode laser, 810 nm/1.4 W/0.05 ms/30 seconds. The temperature was monitored by means of a type T thermocouple (copper-constantan) positioned in the pulp chamber to assess pulpal temperature during and before irradiation. Afterwards, the specimens were longitudinally sectioned, and the buccal and lingual surfaces of each root were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy., Results: In the Er:YAG laser group, the thermal analysis revealed an average temperature of -2.2 +/- 1.5 degrees C, while in the diode laser groups, temperatures were 1.6 +/- 0.8 degrees C at 1.0 W and 3.3 +/- 1.0 degrees C at 1.4 W. Electronic micrographs revealed that there were no significant morphological changes, such as charring, melting, or fusion, in any group, although the specimens were found to be more irregular in the Er:YAG laser group., Conclusions: The application of Er:YAG and diode lasers at the utilized parameters did not induce high pulpal temperatures. Root surface irregularities were more pronounced after irradiation with an Er:YAG laser than with a diode laser.

The purpose of this study was to morphologically evaluate, by means of scanning electron microscopy, the effects of Er:YAG laser on the treatment of root surfaces submitted to scaling and root planing with conventional periodontal instruments. Eighteen root surfaces (n = 18), which had been previously scaled and planed, were assigned to 3 groups (n = 6). The control Group (G1) received no further treatment; Group 2 (G2) was irradiated with Er:YAG laser (2.94 mum), with 47 mJ/10 Hz, in a focused mode with air/water spray during 15 s and with 0.57 J/cm of fluency per pulse; Group 3 (G 3) was irradiated with Er:YAG laser (2.94 mum), with 83 mJ/10 Hz, in a focused mode with air/water spray during 15 s and with 1.03 J/cm2 of fluency per pulse. We concluded that the parameters adopted for Group 3 removed the smear layer from the root surface, exposing the dentinal tubules. Although no fissures, cracks or carbonized areas were observed, an irregular surface was produced by Er:YAG laser irradiation. Thus, the biocompatibility of the irradiated root surface, within the periodontal healing process, must be assessed.

Objectives: In an attempt to increase the successful rate of endodontic surgical procedures this study proposes the use of an association of three lasers in apicectomy: Er:YAG laser, (wavelength 2.94 microm pulse mode), Nd:YAG laser (wavelength 1.064 microm, pulse mode), and Ga-Al-As laser, (wavelength of 790 nm, continuous wave)., Background Data: Previous studies have shown the low success rate of apicectomy by conventional methods due to the presence of remaining bacteria in the surgical site., Methods: The Er:YAG laser was used to perform osteotomy and root resection without vibration, discomfort, less contamination of the surgical site, and no smear-layer on the dentine surface. The Nd:YAG laser irradiation through a fiber performed sealing of the dentinal tubules and bacterial reduction of the cavity bone. In addition, the improvement of healing and better post-operative achieved with the Ga-Al-As laser encourages the use of those lasers in periapical surgeries., Results: Three years follow-up examination of the clinical case showed radiographically significant decrease of the radiolucent periapical area and no clinical signs and symptoms., Conclusion: The outcome of this clinical case indicates that the use of those lasers could be considered an alternative, suitable, and useful method to perform an apicectomy.

Purpose: The use of high-dose chemotherapy as part of the preparative regimen for stem cell transplantation is associated with mucosal damage. Laser irradiation of the oral mucosa may help to decrease the severity of mucositis. This pilot trial was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of low-energy laser therapy in the control of pain associated with oral mucositis after stem cell transplantation or high-dose chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: Eleven patients with the diagnosis of chronic myelogenous leukemia (n = 4), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (n = 3), acute myelocytic leukemia (n = 1), and other malignancies (n = 3) were submitted to high-dose chemotherapy for myeloablation. Seven patients received autologous stem cell transplantation, two from allogeneic sources, and two were given high-dose chemotherapy only. The oral cavity of all patients was examined by an oral medicine specialist during the pretransplant and prechemotherapy workup. The patients received irradiation with the mucolaser daily until post-transplant day 5. The entire oral mucosa was treated with a final energy density of 2 J/cm². Mucositis was clinically evaluated according to the WHO scale, and pain was measured by a visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: The laser treatment was well tolerated by the patients. Two patients had mucositis grade I-II, 8 patients had grade III-IV, and 1 patient had none. None of the patients had the maximal pain score. Six patients had grade 0-3 and 5 patients had grade 5-8 by VAS. The majority of patients associated the daily application of laser with prompt pain relief. Conclusion: The use of low-energy laser therapy may play a role in the control of pain associated with oral mucositis. In order to evaluate the efficacy of laser therapy in the prevention of mucositis after stem cell transplantation, a randomized controlled trial was initiated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]