• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.11-17
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate early histological changes and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression in the dental pulp of the rat after Er:YAG laser preparation. Occlusal cavities were prepared in the upper first molars using either Er:YAG laser and conventional bur. At 48 hours after cavity preparation, the teeth were processed for hematoxylin-eosin stain and CGRP immunohistochemistry. The results were as follows : 1. The cavity floor by Er:YAG laser preparation was more irregular shape compared with those by bur preparation and there are some cracks in the directions of dentinal tubules. 2. There were more inflammatory cell infiltration and disruption of odontoblast in the dental pulp by Er:YAG laser preparation in comparison with the dental pulp by bur preparation. 3. CGRP expression in the pulp tissue by both Er:YAG laser and bur preparations were increased and higher than in the normal pulp. The expression pattern of CGRP was more strong in the pulp by Er:YAG laser preparation. These results indicate that Er:YAG laser is useful in the operative dentistry such as caries removal and cavity preparation if properly applied.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.141-155
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• 1997

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Nd:YAG laser and the Er:YAAG laser on etching enamel for direct bonding of orthodontic bracket. The advantages of laser etching rather than conventional acid etching are to reduce the subsurface demineralization rate, to inhibit the spillage of acid onto uninvolved ""its of enamel, and to save the clinical manipulation time involving drying, trashing and drying again. 189 freshly extracted human premolars were prepared for this research. 165 out of them were divided into 11 groups of 15 teeth. One group was acid etching and the rest groups were irradiated with Nd:YAG laser by four different energy levels(100mj 10pps, 100mj 20pps, 150mj 20pps, 200mj 20pps) and with Er:YAG laser by six different energy levels(60mj 5pps, 60mj 10pps, 100mj 10pps. 200mj 10pps, 200mj l5pps, 400mj 10pps). Shear bond strength was tested with Instron after 24 hours, one week, and three weeks. Twenty-four out of 189 teeth were divided into twelve groups untreated control, acid etching, and ten laser irradiation subgroups. And the ultrastructural enamel surfaces of each group were observed with scanning electron microscope. The results were as follows; 1. The means and the standard deviations of shear bond strength of Nd:YAG and Er:YAU laser irradiation by different energy levels were obtained. 2. Shear bond strengths of Er:YAG laser irradiation groups were higher than those of Nd:YAG laser irradiation groups at the identical energy level. 3. Maximum bond strengths was achieved at the energy of I50mj, 20pps in Nd:YAG laser irradiation groups or 60mj, 10pps in Er:YAG laser irradiation groups. 4. It was acceptible for direct bonding to irradiate lb0mj 20pps with Nd:YAG laser or to irradiate 60mj 10pps with Er:YAG laser considering the results of shear bond strength tests and SEM obsesvation.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.192-200
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• 2006

The aim of this study was to assess the microleakage underneath a pit and fissure sealant bonded to occlusal surfaces treated by Er:YAG laser To determine the most effective energy density of laser, fourteen specimens were irradiated from 50mJ to 300mJ at 3Hz. After irradiation, the lased specimens were observed under the scanning electron microscope. Thirty six non-carious extracted premolars were randomly assigned to four groups of nine teeth: group 1, no treatment on the occlusal surface; group 2, acid etching for 15 seconds; group 3, Er:YAG laser irradiation; group 4, acid etching followed by Er:YAG laser irradiation. The pits and fissures were sealed with unfilled sealant(Helioseal F) and the specimen teeth were thermo-cycled, immersed in 2% Rhodamine B solution, longitudinally sectioned and analyzed for microleakage with fluorescent microscope. The results were as follows: 1. Er:YAG lased surfaces with 50mJ, 3Hz showed a similar pattern of irregularity with acid etched enamel surfaces 2. The mean microleakage score increased in the order of group 2, 4, 3 and 1. There was no significant difference among group 1, 3 and 4(p>0.05), however group 2 showed significantly less microleakage compared with group 1 and 3. Conclusively, the laser irradiation seemed not enough to replace the acid etching for proper retention of pit and fissure sealants.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.227-234
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• 2014

Purpose: Dentin hypersensitivity is a potential threat to oral health. Laser irradiation may provide reliable and reproducible treatment but remains controversial. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of $CO_2$ or erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG) laser therapy, and to assess mineral content. Methods: Eighteen human single-rooted teeth affected with advanced periodontitis were obtained. Buccal and lingual surfaces were planed to form 36 specimens. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid gel (24%) was applied to remove the smear layer and simulate hypersensitive teeth. The experimental groups were: group 1, control (no irradiation); group 2, $CO_2$ laser (repetitive pulsed mode, 2 W, $2.7J/cm^2$); and group 3, Er:YAG laser (slight contact mode, 40 mJ/pulse and 10 Hz). To evaluate dentinal tubule occlusion, six specimens per group (2-mm thickness) were prepared and observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for calculation of the occlusion percentage. To evaluate the mineral content, six specimens per group (0.6-mm thickness) were used, and then the levels of Ca, K, Mg, Na, and P were measured by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. In addition, the surface temperature of the specimens during laser irradiation was analyzed by a thermograph. Results: The SEM photomicrographs indicated melted areas around exposed dentinal tubules and a significantly greater percentage of tubular occlusion in the $CO_2$ and Er:YAG laser groups than the control, and in the Er:YAG group than the $CO_2$ laser group. In addition, no significant differences were noted among the experimental groups for the mineral elements analyzed. The $CO_2$ laser group showed an evident thermal effect compared to the Er:YAG group. Conclusions: $CO_2$ and Er:YAG laser are effective in treating dentin hypersensitivity and reducing its symptoms. However, the Er:YAG laser has a more significant effect; thus, it may constitute a useful conditioning item. Furthermore, neither $CO_2$ nor Er:YAG lasers affected the compositional structure of the mineral content.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.272-285
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• 2003

This study was conducted to observe the microscopic structures of cavities formed after ablation of primary teeth, permanent teeth, enamel and dentin in using a bur and cavities formed after ablation using laser and the following results were obtained after comparing the effects of ablation. Using a #330 bur and Er:YAG laser irradiated at 150 mJ, 200 mJ, 250 mJ and 300 mJ all at the frequency of 5 Hz, 1 mm enamel and dentin samples were ablated and the ablation time was measured. In order to measure the surfaces ablated, 5 each of primary teeth and permanent teeth were ablated using a #330 bur and Er:YAG laser at 150 mJ, 200 mJ, 250 mJ and 300 mJ for 1 sec and the cross section and vertical section were observed. The following results were obtained : 1. Cutting time of Er:YAG laser was longer than that of conventinal high-speed bur regardless of teeth type. 2. Cutting on enamel, Cutting time of conventional high-speed bur in deciduous teeth was longer than in permanent teeth(P<0.05). But Er:YAG laser was not showed any difference between the deciduous and permanent teeth(P>0.05). 3. Cutting on dentin, Cutting time of conventional high-speed bur in permanent teeth was longer than deciduous teeth. Er:YAG laser of 150 mJ, 5 Hz in permanent teeth was longer than in deciduous teeth(p<0.05). But laser of other power did not showed mean difference. 4. The cavity surface treated with the convetional high-speed bur revealed a relatively flat appearance, almost covered with a debris-like smear layer. Cavity wall showed striped appearance because of blade of bur. 5. The cavity surface treated by the Er:YAG laser system was irregular or rough surface with the absence charring, carbonization, or cracking of the dentin. In addition, there was an absence of a smear layer. Cavity floor was round and relatively smooth. According to these results, cutting time of Er:YAG laser was almostly same in permanent and deciduous teeth, but more effective in dentin than enamel. Cutting the sample, Er:YAG laser was needed more time than conventional bur. But SEM findings suggested that laser device produced favorable surface characteristic(i.e, no smear layer, irregular surface, cracking).

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.558-563
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• 2000

The lasers have been used in dentistry for more than 30 years and the application of lasers for drilling dental hard tissue has been investigated since the early developement of lasers. Recently, the Er:YAG laser was invented for hard tissue ablation. The Er:YAG laser, having a wavelength of 2.94um, is highly absorbed in both water and hydroxiapatite, leading to a very effective material for hard tissue removal by bursting off the solid tissue component that is, enamel and dentin are removed by the Er :YAG laser by water vaporization and microexplosion, without any melting of inorganic tissues. Therefore, the Er:YAG laser produced round craters with well defined margins and the surrounding tissues had no cracks and no charring. When used for cavity preparation, pulpal damage should not occur if hear buildup is minimized by careful selection of exposure parameters and by use of a water spray. The present study demonstrated that the Er:YAG laser cut the tooth substance adequately for composite resin restoration, without having undesirable side effects such as harmful effects on the pulp, discoloration or cracking etc. Also, the child patients were well cooperative during laser treatment mainly because of little noise, lesser vibration and minimal pain compared to conventional means of cavity preparation.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.439-447
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• 2003

This was performed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of laser on the growth of S. mutans. The bacterial pallets containing S. mutans KCTC 3065 were irradiated with Er:YAG laser and Nd :YAG laser by non-contact method at an intensity of 50mJ for 5 sec with the pulse repetition rates of 10Hz and 30Hz, respectively. The following results were obtained on colony count, acid producing ability, and the amount of insoluble extracellular polysaccharide synthesis. 1. The irradiation of Nd:YAG laser after photosensitization with Chinese ink inhibited the proliferation of S. mutans the most, and the irradiation of Er:YAG also inhibited the proliferation. However, the irradiation of Nd:YAG laser alone could not inhibited the proliferation of S. mutans. The pulse repetition rate did not affect significantly on the proliferation of bacteria in overall. 2. The irradiation of Nd:YAG laser after the photosensitization with Chinese ink inhibited the acid production of S. mutans the most for a certain period of time. Er:YAG laser also inhibited acid production. When Nd:YAG laser was used alone, the acid production of S. mutans was not been inhibited. The irradiation of Nd:YAG laser after photosensitization with Chinese ink inhibited the acid production ability of bacteria the most as the pulse repetition rate increased. 3. Laser irradiation did not inhibited the synthesis of insoluble extracellular polysaccharide of S. mutans. From these results, we conclude that the irradiation of Er:YAG laser and Nd:YAG laser after photosensitization with Chinese ink would inhibit the proliferation and acid production by S. mutans, which may prevent dental caries. However, this effect does not last long time so that the laser irradiation should be repeated frequently in order to obtain clinical effect; thus, this laser irradiation would not have a clinical usefulness in preventing dental caries when used solely.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.19-27
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• 2016

Purpose: Laser treatment has become a popular method in implant dentistry, and lasers have been used for the decontamination of implant surfaces when treating peri-implantitis. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of an Erbium-doped:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Er:YAG) laser with different settings on machined (MA), sand-blasted and acid-etched (SA), and resorbable blast media (RBM) titanium surfaces using scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy. Materials and Methods: Four MA, four SA, and four RBM discs were either irradiated at 40 mJ/20 Hz, 90 mJ/20 Hz, or 40 mJ/25 Hz for 2 minutes. The specimens were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy. Result: The untreated MA surface demonstrated uniform roughness with circumferential machining marks, and depressions were observed after laser treatment. The untreated SA surface demonstrated a rough surface with sharp spikes and deep pits, and the laser produced noticeable changes on the SA titanium surfaces with melting and fusion. The untreated RBM surface demonstrated a rough surface with irregular indentation, and treatment with the laser produced changes on the RBM titanium surfaces. The Er:YAG laser produced significant changes on the roughness parameters, including arithmetic mean height of the surface (Sa) and maximum height of the surface (Sz), of the MA and SA surfaces. However, the Er:YAG laser did not produce notable changes on the roughness parameters, such as Sa and Sz, of the RBM surfaces. Conclusion: This study evaluated the effects of an Er:YAG laser on MA, SA, and RBM titanium discs using confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Treatment with the laser produced significant changes in the roughness of MA and SA surfaces, but the roughness parameters of the RBM discs were not significantly changed. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficiency of the Er:YAG laser in removing the contaminants, adhering bacteria, and the effects of treatment on cellular attachment, proliferation, and differentiation.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B
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• v.41 no.7
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• pp.463-468
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• 2017

For transdermal drug delivery, needless injection system is composed of laser and microjet injector. Main mechanism of microjet injector is the laser-induced bubble. Nd:YAG and Er:YAG laser are used as a power source. Laser parameters such as pulse duration and wavelength are considered, which are core parameters to control the bubble motion. The Nd:YAG laser, pulse duration is short than bubble life time making cavitation like bubble while in Er:YAG laser, long pulse duration and high absorption in water drive bubble as a boiling bubble. Detailed motion of bubble and microjet is captured by the high speed camera. So it is observed that microjet characteristics are determined by the bubble behavior. The performance of drug delivery system is evaluated by fluorescent staining of guinea pig skin.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.303-314
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• 2002

This study was performed to evaluate the usability of Er:YAG laser for periodontal therapy. Forty dental root slabs ($5{\times}5{\times}2mm^3$) were prepared from human periodontally diseased extracted teeth and grouped into 4 groups: 1) control (root planing only), 2) root planing and irradiated with laser at 30mJ, 3) root planing and irradiated with laser at 60mJ, and 4) root planing and irradiated with laser at 100mJ. The root slabs were embedded in resin block before laser treatment. Er:YAG laser was irradiated under water irrigation with the tip held perpendicular to the root surface in contact mode. After Er:YAG laser irradiation or planing on the root surface, morphological changes have been observed under SEM, and the micro-hardness and Ca/P ratio were compared. 1. In the Control group, the root surface showed the directional change caused by root planing instrumentation, and the presence of smear layer, and no exposure of dentinal tubule was observed. Laser irradiated group showed surface changes with rough dentin surface of niche and depression and dentinal tubule exposure by the elimination of smear layer. 2. The micro-hardness of root surface in the laser irradiated group was higher than the control group. The higher energy output was applied, the higher micro-hardness on root surface was resulted. 3. The higher energy output was applied, the higher Ca/P ratio was observed. The higher Ca/P ratio in 60mJ group and 100mJ group was statistically significantly compared to the control group and the 30mJ group. These results suggest that Er:YAG laser irradiation on the periodontally diseased root surface could remove smear layer and increase the micro-hardness on root surface and Ca/P ratio which contribute to enhance the acid resistance of periodontally treated root surface.