ABSTRACT
The use of an erbium laser to treat carious teeth has proven to have several advantages when compared to rotary instruments. The clinician is able to remove a minimal amount of tooth structure, thus minimizing the risk of pulpal exposure. The extremely short pulses of erbium lasers combined with an aerosolized water spray have been shown to cool the pulp as opposed to rotary instruments which may create heat that could lead to a pulpitis. Bonding to the lased surfaces is improved because the smear layer is removed, bleeding is controlled, and the lased tooth surface appears etched with open dentinal tubules. The laser also provides a bactericidal effect and the need for local anesthetics is eliminated or reduced. The use of the erbium laser to prepare cavity preparations can be done as quickly, or oftentimes more quickly, than using a rotary instruments. In addition, patients appreciate the absence of the high speed drill noise and vibration.
