Root resection was performed on endodontically treated extracted human teeth exposed to pulsed Er:YAG laser radiation at energy levels between 50 -90 mJ/pulse in wet and dry fields. The lased surfaces were examined by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The smooth, clean resected root surfaces, devoid of charring (in wet fields) indicate that the Er:YAG laser can replace the mechanical drills currently employed in endodontic periapical procedures. In addition, the laser would promote hemostasis and sterilization of the surgical field, resulting in diminished postoperative discomfort.

Date Published: 1 May 1991
PDF: 10 pages
Proc. SPIE 1424, Lasers in Orthopedic, Dental, and Veterinary Medicine, (1 May 1991); doi: 10.1117/12.44010

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 1424:
Lasers in Orthopedic, Dental, and Veterinary Medicine
Stephen J. O'Brien M.D.; Douglas N. Dederich D.D.S.; Harvey Wigdor D.D.S.; Ava Micky Trent D.V.M., Editor(s)