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Root Surface Morphological Changes After Focused Versus Defocused CO 2 Laser Irradiation: A Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis
Author(s) -
Barone A.,
Covani U.,
Crespi R.,
Romanos G.E.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.036
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1943-3670
pISSN - 0022-3492
DOI - 10.1902/jop.2002.73.4.370
Subject(s) - scanning electron microscope , materials science , laser , irradiation , smear layer , microscopy , dentin , dentinal tubule , optics , dentistry , composite material , medicine , physics , nuclear physics
Background: Many studies have observed damages to root surfaces treated by CO 2 laser in continuous mode with a focused beam. The morphologic changes observed were always associated with temperature increase induced by high energy release. Methods: The purpose of this study was to analyze by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the effects of CO 2 laser in 2 different modes on root surfaces. Study samples consisted of 30 extracted single‐rooted periodontally compromised human teeth. Root specimens were randomly assigned to 3 groups: group A (12) treated with CO 2 laser in continuous mode with a focused beam of 0.8 mm; group B (12) treated with CO 2 laser in pulsed mode with defocused beam of 4 mm; and group C (6), untreated controls. Results: Group A (continuous mode) showed severe damages to dentin surfaces such as craters and fissures. Group B (defocused mode) did not result in any damages to the root surfaces, showing flat and smooth surfaces with apparent fusion of the smear layer and dentinal tubules almost completely sealed. The untreated control group was characterized by irregular and amorphous surfaces with several shallow depressions. Conclusions: Although both laser modes resulted in changes to the treated root surface specimens, the changes resulting in a smooth surface from use of defocused pulsed beam may present an advantage in periodontal treatment. J Periodontol 2002;73:370‐373.