ABSTRACT
Tooth hypersensitivity is a frequent condition that causes discomfort and sometimes severe pain. It is caused by exposure of spots of dentinal tubules to the oral environment. Conventional desensitizing agents (professional pastes, toothpastes, mouthwashes) aim to obliterate the exposed dentinal tubules. Laser desensitization was introduced as an alternative efficient tool for the immediate treatment of tooth hypersensitivity. We explored in vitro the microscopical occluding effects of the Er:YAG laser on exposed dentinal tubules. The clinical application of this technique is also described.
Subject(s)
Dentin Sensitivity/radiotherapy , Lasers, Solid-State/therapeutic use , Low-Level Light Therapy , Dentin/radiation effects , Dentin/ultrastructure , Dentin Sensitivity/pathology , Dentin Sensitivity/physiopathology , Humans , In Vitro Techniques , Male , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Middle Aged , Pain Threshold/radiation effectsABSTRACT
A new biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic material has been developed in our laboratory. It is composed of 60% of hydroxyapatite and 40% of beta-tricalcium phosphate, based on three granulometries (submicron, round microporous 80-200 mum and macro microporous 0.5-1 mm particles) and hydrated with water leading the formation of a putty filler for bone repair. Biocompatibility and osteogenicity were tested by filling femoral epiphyses critical size bone defect and lumbar muscles in rabbit. After 3, 6 and 12 weeks of implantation, explants were treated for histology. Results revealed the biocompatibility of the material and intensive resorption of the submicron particle fraction followed by important bone ingrowth whereas osteoconduction was provided by the larger particles.
