Assessment of root caries removal by Er,Cr:YSGG laser

The present study aimed to compare root caries removal by air turbine and Er,Cr:YSGG laser, and examine morphological changes after these caries removal techniques under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Seventy two extracted human carious-free third molars were used in this study. After the in vitro root caries induction using S. mutans, the carious lesions were removed by the conventional technique, using burs (control), and by the Er,Cr:YSGG laser, using 13 different parameters, between 1 and 4,0 W. During caries removal, preparation time was recorded for all groups. The results appointed out that the conventional method was the fastest one. When only laser treatment was evaluated, the higher parameters seemed to remove caries faster then the lower ones. SEM revealed that the surfaces treated by air turbine were smooth, but with debris. The laser groups demonstrated smooth undulations, with little or absence of smear layer, and no signs of carbonization. These results suggest that caries removal by Er,Cr:YSGG laser was effective. Therefore, this equipment requires training on cavity preparation, in order to avoid damages in dental hard tissues.