• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.192-196
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• 2012

PURPOSE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of provisional cement removal by different dentin cleaning protocols (dental explorer, pumice, cleaning bur, Er:YAG laser) on the shear bond strength between ceramic and dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS. In total, 36 caries-free unrestored human third molars were selected as tooth specimens. Provisional restorations were fabricated and cemented with eugenol-free provisional cement. Then, disc-shaped ceramic specimens were fabricated and randomly assigned to four groups of dentin cleaning protocols (n = 9). Group 1 (control): Provisional cements were mechanically removed with a dental explorer. Group 2: The dentin surfaces were treated with a cleaning brush with pumice Group 3: The dentin surfaces were treated with a cleaning bur. Group 4: The provisional cements were removed by an Er:YAG laser. Self-adhesive luting cement was used to bond ceramic discs to dentin surfaces. Shear bond strength (SBS) was measured using a universal testing machine at a 0.05 mm/min crosshead speed. The data were analyzed using a Kolmogorov Smirnov, One-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests to perform multiple comparisons (${\alpha}$=0.05). RESULTS. The dentin cleaning methods did not significantly affect the SBS of ceramic discs to dentin as follows: dental explorer, pumice, cleaning bur, and Er:YAG laser. CONCLUSION. The use of different cleaning protocols did not affect the SBS between dentin and ceramic surfaces.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.232-237
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• 2012

Background : Skin injuries, such as lacerations due to trauma, are relatively common, and patients are very concerned about the resulting scars. Recently, the use of ablative and non-ablative lasers based on the fractional approach has been used to treat scars. In this study, the authors demonstrated the efficacy and safety of ablative fractional resurfacing (AFR) for traumatic scars using a 2,940-nm erbium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser for traumatic scars after primary repair during the early posttraumatic period. Methods : Twelve patients with fifteen scars were enrolled. All had a history of facial laceration and primary repair by suturing on the day of trauma. Laser therapy was initiated at least 4 weeks after the primary repair. Each patient was treated four times at 1-month intervals with a fractional ablative 2,940-nm Er:YAG laser using the same parameters. Posttreatment evaluations were performed 1 month after the fourth treatment session. Results : All 12 patients completed the study. After ablative fractional laser treatment, all treated portions of the scars showed improvements, as demonstrated by the Vancouver Scar Scale and the overall cosmetic scale as evaluated by 10 independent physicians, 10 independent non-physicians, and the patients themselves. Conclusions : This study shows that ablative fractional Er:YAG laser treatment of scars reduces scars fairly according to both objective results and patient satisfaction rates. The authors suggest that early scar treatment using AFR can be one adjuvant scar management method for improving the quality of life of patients with traumatic scars.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.135-142
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• 2011

Purpose: The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of erbium-doped: yttrium, aluminium and garnet (Er:YAG) laser irradiation on sand-blasted, large grit, acid-etched (SLA) implant surface microstructure according to varying energy levels and application times of the laser. Methods: The implant surface was irradiated by the Er:YAG laser under combined conditions of 100, 140, or 180 mJ/pulse and an application time of 1 minute, 1.5 minutes, or 2 minutes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the surface roughness of the specimens. Results: All experimental conditions of Er:YAG laser irradiation, except the power setting of 100 mJ/pulse for 1 minute and 1.5 minutes, led to an alteration in the implant surface. SEM evaluation showed a decrease in the surface roughness of the implants. However, the difference was not statistically Significant. Alterations of implant surfaces included meltdown and flattening. More extensive alterations were present with increasing laser energy and application time. Conclusions: To ensure no damage to their surfaces, it is recommended that SLA implants be irradiated with an Er:YAG laser below 100 mJ/pulse and 1.5 minutes for detoxifying the implant surfaces.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.101-105
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• 2013

Purpose: The present study aimed to measure root surface roughness in teeth with periodontitis by a profilometer following root planning with ultrasonic and hand instruments with and without erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG) laser irradiation. Methods: Sixty single-rooted maxillary and mandibular teeth, extracted because of periodontal disease, were collected. The crowns and apices of the roots were cut off using a diamond bur and water coolant. The specimens were mounted in an acrylic resin block such that a plain root surface was accessible. After primary evaluation and setting a baseline, the samples were divided into 4 groups. In group 1, the samples were root planned using a manual curette. The group 2 samples were prepared with an ultrasonic scaler. In group 3, after scaling with hand instrumentation, the roots were treated with a Smart 1240D plus Er:YAG laser and in group 4, the roots were prepared with ultrasonic scaler and subsequently treated with an Er:YAG laser. Root surface roughness was then measured by a profilometer (MahrSurf M300+RD18C system) under controlled laboratory conditions at a temperature of $25^{\circ}C$ and 41% humidity. The data were analyzed statistically using analysis of variance and a t-test (P<0.05). Results: Significant differences were detected in terms of surface roughness and surface distortion before and after treatment. The average reduction of the surface roughness after treatment in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 1.89, 1.88, 1.40, and 1.52, respectively. These findings revealed no significant differences among the four groups. Conclusions: An Er:YAG laser as an adjunct to traditional scaling and root planning reduces root surface roughness. However, the surface ultrastructure is more irregular than when using conventional methods.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.597-605
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• 2006

It is introduced that pit and fissure sealant is the most universal and effective to prevent occlusal dental caries. In processing of being applied the pit and fissure sealant, the various kinds of methods are developed to remove organic matters, plaque, microflora and debris in the pit and fissure for increasing the rates of maintain the sealant. Recently, the Er:YAG laser has been used as a new enamel surface treatment method. The purpose of this thesis is compared whether that enamel surface treatment method is superior to other methods or not. 1. 100mJ 5Hz Er:YAG lased enamel surface was similar to acid-etched enamel in SEM evaluation. 2, Mechanical preparation showed decreased microleakage when compared with acid-etching only, but no significant differences in both method. 3. After laser and acid-etching method showed decreased microleakage when compared with acid-etching only.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.255-260
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• 2008

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Preparation of implant beds with lasers is considered a safe and reliable method, but the accuracy of this technique has not been examined. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of implant bed preparation using an Er,Cr:YSGG laser. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An Er,Cr:YSGG laser was applied to pig rib bone. The laser was employed at a 5.75 W power setting, 30 Hz/sec pulse repetition, and 70 ${\mu}s$ pulse duration with 50 % water and 60% air spray. According to laser tips the groups were divided as follows; Group 1: paralleled - shaped sapphire tip (0.6 mm${\Phi}$), Group 2: paralleled - shaped zirconia tip (0.6 mm${\Phi}$), Group 3: tapered sapphire tip (0.4 mm${\Phi}$). The Er,Cr:YSGG laser tip was separated by 1 mm from the bone and applied for 15 seconds in a non-contact mode. After the application, the bone was sectioned for specimens. Histologic measurements were determined by computerized morphometry. The length of the prepared bone surface was measured and the width of the entrance was measured. The results were analyzed with one-way ANOVA (P<0.05). RESULTS: The prepared length of group 3 was longer than that of group 2. The prepared bone width was larger than the width of the laser tip in every group. Additional bone removal was observed adjacent to the prepared area and displayed an irregular surface. CONCLUSION & DISCUSSION: Different cutting effects were observed according to the laser tip, emphasizing the importance of proper tip selection in the clinical setting. This preliminary study supported the existence of hydrokinetic effects.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.32-44
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• 2001

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Er : YAG laser on cutting efficacy and temperature changes of dentin. We used the dentin specimens of human premolars and molars which contain the physiologic saline and maintain the pulpal pressure in dentinal tubules. Each specimen was exposed to Er : YAG laser with non-contact handpiece type delivery system under different treatment condition of irradiation energy, pulse repetition rate, and exposure time. Two procedures were conducted by the presence of water flow during lasing. The specimens were grouped by thickness of dentin. We investigated the cavity pattern, volume, and temperature change of dentin specimen to determine the cutting efficacy and temperature rise of Er : YAG laser, and obtained following results. 1. Cutting volume of dentin was increased by increasing the irradiation energy, pulse repetition rate, and exposure time(P<0.05). 2. Margins of abulated cavities were sharp and clean and floors of cavities were conical in shape and showing smooth surfaces. Upper diameter of abulated cavities were increasing as laser parameter of irradiation energy, pulse repetition rate, and exposure time were increased. A few cracks were observed on abulated surfaces under treatment condition of laser parameter with 150mJ, 5Hz, and 5sec. 3. Temperature was increased as laser parameter of irradiation energy, pulse repetition rate, and exposure time were increased, and temperature rise was decreased as dentin thickness was increased(P<0.05). 4. Temperature rise was decreased under water flow compared with no water flow during laser exposure(P<0.05). From these results, we think that the method of using a Er:YAG laser would be effective and safe in cutting dentin for clinical application.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.469-477
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of two dentin desensitizers and Er,Cr:YSGG laser for dentinal tubule occlusion. Twenty recently extracted single-rooted human teeth were used to obtain root dentinal fragments. The crowns were cut approximately 1mm below the cementum enamel junction(CEJ). A second cut was used to remove the apex of the root. Subsequently, a longitudinal cut was made in order to obtain 2 fragments from each root sample. The cementum from the cervical portion was removed using a high-speed diamond-coated bur in order to expose the dentin. To open dentinal tubules, forty samples were treated with 50% citric acid for 2 min and then rinsed under distilled water for 1 min. These were divided into four groups of ten samples each. The first group served as a control group. In group 2, the samples were irradiated with the Er,Cr:YSGG laser(Waterlase MD, Biolase, USA). In group 3, the samples were treated with Bisblock and ONE-STEP PLUS(Bisco, USA). In group 4, the samples were treated with Gluma comfort bond & Desensitizer(Heraeus Kulzer, Germany). All the samples were examined using Scanning electron microscopy(Hitachi, S-4700, Japan) with two different magnifications(X2000, X5000). These images were assessed by one examiner who was blind to the experimental procedure, using the index of smear layer removal. The distribution of smear layer removal grades was tested using Fisher's exact test. On the order hand, in order to evaluate the occluding effect of two dentin desensitizers and Er,Cr:YSGG laser, the number of exposed dentinal tubules was counted in each group. These were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis test with significance predetermined $\alpha$=0.05. There were statistically significant differences between the three groups(Er,Cr:YSGG laser, Bisblock+ONE-STEP PLUS, Gluma comfort bond & Desensitizer) and control group.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.66-73
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• 2017

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of different-sized drill tips and laser irradiation times on the initial stability of orthodontic miniscrews placed in Er,Cr:YSGG-laser pre-drilled holes in an animal model. Materials and Methods: Laser pre-drilled holes were made in dog mandibular bone with an Er,Cr:YSGG laser using irradiation times of 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13 seconds, and tip diameters of 0.4 and 0.6 mm. The maximum diameter and depth of the pre-drilled holes was measured with micro computed tomography. The maximum insertion torque was measured during placement the miniscrew. Result: Laser pre-drilled holes were conical shaped. The maximum diameter of pre-drilled holes increased with longer laser irradiation times (P>0.05) and larger tip diameters (P<0.05). The depth of pre-drilled holes increased with longer laser irradiation times and larger tip diameters (P<0.05). When the 0.4 mm tip, but not the 0.6 mm tip, was used, the insertion torque decreased significantly with longer laser irradiation times (P<0.05). Conclusion: Tip diameter impacted insertion torque more than irradiation time. It takes at least 9 seconds using a 0.6 mm tip to create a 0.8 mm diameter and 1.0 mm depth hole in thick cortical bone.

• Proceedings of the KOSOMBE Conference
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• v.1997 no.11
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• pp.375-379
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• 1997

Pulsed Er:YAG and $CO_2$ lasers induced temperature rise of tissue are studied using axisymmetric, two-dimensional, and transient Pennes' bio-heat equation or the implications of skin resurfacing. Model results indicate that Er:YAG laser induced temperature has much higher but more shallow distribution in tissue than that of the $CO_2$ laser because of its higher absorption coefficient. The increase of repetition rate does not affect the temperature rise too much because these laser modalities have much shorter heat diffusion time than the temporal length of each off-pulse. This model works as a tool to understand the photothermal effect in the laser-tissue interaction.