Evaluation of Effects of Irradiation with 980 nm Diode Laser at 0.8 W, 1.2 W and 1.4 W, on Sheep Bone - An In Vitro Histological Study

Diode laser has been a boon to treat various periodontal diseases in the last decade. Literature cautions that contact of diode laser would be detrimental to bone and leads to bone resorption. However, till date no studies have documented bone damage at different power settings of laser. So, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 980 nm diode laser irradiation on sheep bone under different power settings in continuous wave mode for fixed amount of time. MethodsA fresh femur of sheep devoid of any muscle and soft tissue was obtained. Three markings, each 10 mm long were made for the specimens. The specimens were categorized as sample A, B and C. 980 nm Diode Laser was used to irradiate the specimens with 0.8 W, 1.2 W and 1.4 W at continuous mode as the power settings for sample A, B and C respectively for 10 seconds in direct contact with bone in a brushing like pattern. ResultsThe depth of bone damage was measured using Haematoxylin and Eosin stain. Bone damage was minimum for group 1 followed by group 2 and 3. ConclusionsWhen the specimens were irradiated by a 980 nm diode laser in direct contact with the bone tissue, damage was seen both clinically and microscopically in all groups.

Stem cell therapy: A challenge to periodontist.

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease which manifests clinically as loss of supporting periodontal tissues including periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone, and periodontal therapy is aimed at achieving complete regeneration of these structures. To date, this goal has been tried to accomplish using various bone grafts, growth factors, and barrier membranes. Stem cells are the most fascinating area of biology today and have been used clinically in the field of medicine to treat many incurable diseases. Various human and animal studies have confirmed the presence of stem cells in dental tissues including periodontal ligament. This has opened new avenues aiming toward complete periodontal regeneration using cell-based therapies. This review provides an overview of various types of stem cells in medicine and dentistry and their potential uses especially pertaining to periodontal regeneration.