Laser Therapy Versus Traditional Scaling and Root Planing: A Comparative Review.

Scaling and root planing (SRP) removes bacterial plaque, calculus, and associated microorganisms from the surface of the tooth and the surrounding soft tissue. While complete eradication of pathogenic microbes is impossible, gross removal can lower the microbial load, which in turn reduces inflammation and contributes to positive clinical outcomes. Instrumentation in limited-access anatomic areas like furcation, grooves, deep pockets, concavities, and distal molar areas is technically demanding with traditional mechanical debridement. However, emerging advanced systems such as lasers with bactericidal and detoxification effects offer the benefit of reaching limited-access areas that traditional SRP cannot reach. A digitized search was done on PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Google Scholar using the keywords "lasers", "periodontal therapy", "scaling", and "root planing". Upon screening and reviewing, the shortlisted articles comprised narrative reviews, systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, comparative studies, split-mouth studies, case series, and reports of non-surgical laser therapy and lasers as an adjunct to SRP. This review presents a comprehensive comparative evaluation of different laser modalities utilized in non-surgical periodontal treatment in contrast to standard SRP, rather than an exhaustive article review. It delves into the history and development of lasers, highlighting key advancements made in the realm of periodontics and dental care. This review includes an elucidation of the theory behind laser operation, along with an exploration of its intrinsic characteristics and breakdown of the various types of lasers that are currently available, and an examination of existing literature in both present and historical contexts regarding the comparison of various types of lasers with traditional periodontal treatment.

Surgical Correction of Ankyloglossia Using Diode Laser-Assisted Frenectomy in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report.

Tongue-tie is a continuation of the lingual frenum that is attached to the tip of the tongue. It is a congenital oral anomaly that could restrict tongue movements, caused by a lingual frenum a membrane that originates from the floor of the mouth to the bottom of the tongue that is too thick and short, which limits the natural ability of the tongue to move and function. The tongue is an auxiliary organ that facilitates speaking, mastication, and deglutition. This condition may result in several difficulties including chewing, breastfeeding, speech, and pronunciation of particular words, as well as possessing social and mechanical consequences. Ankyloglossia can be seen in young age groups. The use of lasers has increased in dentistry in recent years. However, in oral and maxillofacial surgery, the use of lasers has been largely restricted to soft tissues, and less focus is placed on the use of hard tissues. Carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers, erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er: YAG) lasers, and Er, the erbium, chromium: yttrium: scandium gallium-garnet (Cr: YSGG) lasers are among the several types of lasers that have been utilized in dentistry for correction of soft tissues as well as for hard tissues.

Exploring the efficacy of laser-assisted in-office tooth bleaching: A study on varied irradiation times and power settings utilizing a diode laser (445 nm).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a laser-assisted in-office tooth bleaching treatment, employing a diode laser (445 nm) using different power and time settings. Two hundred human incisors were collected for evaluating tooth color change (ΔΕ00) and whiteness index in dentistry (ΔWID) following laser-assisted tooth bleaching treatment. The specimens were distributed into 25 groups (n = 8) according to laser output power (0.5-2 W) and duration of irradiation (10-60 s) that was applied. ΔΕ00 and ΔWID were evaluated using a spectrophotometer at three points of time (24 h, 1 week and 1 month after treatments). Three-way ANOVA revealed that power, duration of laser irradiation, and time of measurement after bleaching treatments significantly affected both ΔΕ00 and ΔWID(p < 0.05). Furthermore, laser irradiation increased ΔΕ00 and ΔWID at all applied powers compared to the control group (p < 0.05), but this increase was dependent on the duration of irradiation. Laser irradiation significantly increased ΔΕ00 when the duration of operation was 50-60 s at 0.5-1 W, while at 1.5-2 W was significantly increased when the duration was 30-60 s. ΔWID was significant higher in the laser groups compared to the control group at all powers, except for 0.5 W where it was significant higher when the duration was 50-60 s. The outcomes of the study can help in selecting the suitable power settings and duration of laser exposure to achieve the optimal whitening results while ensuring the safety of the tooth pulp.

The efficacy of diode laser and subgingival air polishing with erythritol in treatment of periodontitis (clinical and microbiological study).

BACKGROUND: There is insufficient clinical and microbiological evidence to support the use of diode laser and air-polishing with erythritol as supplements to scaling and root planning(SRP). The aim of the current study is to evaluate the clinical and microbiologic efficacy of erythritol subgingival air polishing and diode laser in treatment of periodontitis. METHODS: The study encompassed twenty-four individuals seeking periodontal therapy and diagnosed with stage I and stage II periodontitis. Eight patients simply underwent SRP. Eight more patients had SRP followed by erythritol subgingival air polishing, and eight patients had SRP followed by diode laser application. At baseline and six weeks, clinical periodontal parameters were measured, including Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), periodontal Probing Depth (PPD), and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL). The bacterial count of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans(A.A), Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.G) was evaluated at different points of time. RESULTS: The microbiological assessment revealed significant differences in the count of A.A. between the laser and erythritol groups immediately after treatment, indicating a potential impact on microbial levels. However, the microbial levels showed fluctuations over the subsequent weeks, without statistically significant differences. Plaque indices significantly decreased post-treatment in all groups, with no significant inter-group differences. Gingival indices decreased, and the laser group showed lower values than erythritol and control groups. PPD and CAL decreased significantly across all groups, with the laser group exhibiting the lowest values. CONCLUSION: The supplementary use of diode laser and erythritol air polishing, alongside SRP, represents an expedited periodontal treatment modality. This approach leads to a reduction in bacteria and improvement in periodontal health. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This clinical trial was registered on Clinical Trials.gov (Registration ID: NCT06209554) and released on 08/01/2024.

Hemorrhoidal laser ablation procedure: a minimally invasive treatment for grades II, III, and IV using a 1470 nm diode laser.

<b>Indroduction:</b> Hemorrhoids often cause pain, and achieving painless outcomes through surgery is challenging. Hemorrhoidal Laser Ablation, a method for treating severe hemorrhoids, has limited documentation in clinical trials.</br> <br><b>Aim:</b> This retrospective study aimed to present our experience with Hemorrhoidal Laser Ablation in symptomatic grade II, III, and IV internal hemorrhoids and evaluate the efficacy and safety of this relatively recent technique.</br> <br><b>Material and methods:</b> The cohort included 138 patients with symptomatic hemorrhoids who underwent Hemorrhoidal Laser Ablation at three different medical centers in 2017-2022. Patients were treated with a 1470 nm diode laser. Data were collected on clinical and perioperative characteristics and outcomes.</br> <br><b>Results:</b> No evidence of intraoperative complications occurred. There was no rectal tenesmus or alteration of defecation habits. Early mild postoperative symptoms were observed for an average of one week after the operation. The plateau of symptom resolution and downgrading of hemorrhoid size reached approximately six months post-procedure. The short- -term recurrence rate was 0.8% within roughly a month after the laser surgery, while the long-term recurrence rate was 5% over up to five years of follow-up. The overall satisfaction rate was 95% with symptomatic relief.</br> <br><b>Conclusions:</b> Hemorrhoidal Laser Ablation is a painless outpatient technique that does not require general anesthesia. It is an easy-to-perform, convenient, safe, and efficient modality in reducing symptoms and complications of grades II, III, and IV internal hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoidal Laser Ablation limits postoperative discomfort and allows the patient to return to daily routines quickly.</br>.

Comparative evaluation of thermal impact of 980nm diode laser on soft tissue using irrigation and non-irrigation systems: A histomorphometric study.

Background: Diode laser is one of the most captivating technologies in dental practice. In periodontics, when used at appropriate settings, it possesses the best properties for selective surgical and nonsurgical procedures such as subgingival calculus removal without a thermal change of the root surface, and also provides tissue surface sterilization. However, lasers always produce a certain amount of thermal damage to the soft tissues. Therefore, this study aimed to comparatively evaluate the thermal impact of 980-nm diode laser incisions, when used with irrigation versus nonirrigation systems. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 24 gingival tissue samples obtained from the goat's mandible and maxilla. The samples were divided into two groups of 12 samples each, and laser incisions were given in 4 power settings, using 980-nm diode laser in super short pulse mode, with and without saline irrigation. Martius Scarlet Blue staining technique was used to prepare the histological slides. Then, slides were examined under a research microscope (Olympus CX 21), and the pictures of the slides were taken by mounting the camera onto the microscope mobile mount. The microscopic images hence obtained were analyzed for the depth and width of the incisions, area of carbonization, necrosis, and reversible damage, using the Digimizer image analysis software. Results: The results of this study demonstrated that the mean incision depth was higher (592.49 ± 180.97, P < 0.05), with less carbonization (25.52 ± 29.21, P = 0.00) and less necrosis (311.63 ± 156.441, P < 0.05) in the laser incisions with irrigation, as compared to the laser incisions given without irrigation system. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that using an irrigation system causes less collateral damage while maintaining the incising efficiency of the diode laser. Further studies with a higher sample size, controlled irrigation systems, and incision techniques are needed to evaluate the efficiency of diode lasers for the clinical explanation of the results.

High-frequency low-intensity semiconductor laser irradiation enhances osteogenic differentiation of human cementoblast lineage cells.

PURPOSE: Laser irradiation activates a range of cellular processes in the periodontal components and promotes tissue repair. However, its effect on osteogenic differentiation of human cementoblast lineage cells remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the effects of high-frequency semiconductor laser irradiation on the osteogenic differentiation of human cementoblast lineage (HCEM) cells. METHODS: HCEM cells were cultured to reach 80% confluence and irradiated with a gallium-aluminum-arsenide (Ga-Al-As) semiconductor laser with a pulse width of 200 ns and wavelength of 910 at a dose of 0-2.0 J/cm2. The outcomes were assessed by analyzing the mRNA levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and type I collagen (COLL1) using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis 24 h after laser irradiation. Cell mineralization was evaluated using ALP activity, calcium deposition, and Alizarin Red staining. RESULTS: The laser-irradiated HCEM cells showed significantly enhanced gene expression levels of ALP, RUNX2, and COLL1 as well as ALP activity and calcium concentration in the culture medium compared with the non-irradiated cells. In addition, enhanced calcification deposits were confirmed in the laser-irradiated group compared with the non-irradiated group at 21 and 28 days after the induction of osteogenic differentiation. CONCLUSION: High-frequency semiconductor laser irradiation enhances the osteogenic differentiation potential of cultured HCEM cells, underscoring its potential utility for periodontal tissue regeneration.

The Endo-lift Laser (Intralesional 1470 nm Diode Laser) for Dermatological Aesthetic Conditions: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The prominence of minimally invasive aesthetic approaches has become increasingly pivotal. The endo-lift laser method is an intralesional 1470 nm diode laser connected to a fiber that serves both therapeutic and aesthetic properties. We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the endo-lift laser method for dermatological aesthetic applications. METHODS: PubMed, Ovid-Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched up to November 5th, 2023. A citation search was also performed. The National Institute of Health (NIH) Quality Assessment Tool was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. RESULTS: Out of 339 articles, twenty-three relevant studies were included in the current review. Applying the endo-lift laser method for rejuvenation, including face and neck lifting, enhancing skin laxity, and disappearing wrinkles, folds, and lines, demonstrated favorable efficacy and safety profile. Moreover, most studies have shown that the endo-lift laser method is promising in eliminating the adipose tissue in the jowl, abdomen, thighs, and arms. The endo-lift laser technique was also efficacious in nose remodeling and blepharoplastic procedures, including treating eyelid and eyebrow ptosis, eye bag, eyebrow position, and eyelid laxity. Patients who suffer from several diseases, such as hidradenitis suppurativa, progressive lipodystrophy, acne vulgaris, scars, and keloids, benefit from procedural treatment with the endo-lift laser technique. Across all studies, the adverse events were mild and self-limiting. Investigating the endo-lift laser method in all aesthetic and therapeutic indications resulted in high patient satisfaction rates. CONCLUSION: The endo-lift laser technique has therapeutic effects and is recommended for various dermatological aesthetic indications. Further clinical studies with control groups and larger sample sizes are needed to acquire more reliable evidence. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE III AND IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Management of Lobular Capillary Hemangioma Using Diode Laser: A Case Report.

This case report focuses on the clinical development of a 32-year-old female patient's lobular capillary hemangioma and provides valuable insights into the atypical nature of this tumor. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) that follows diode laser intervention can be regarded as a novel and evidence-based approach to therapeutic management. The application of a diode laser causes the vascular elements that comprise the bulk of the lesion to coagulate, which in turn causes the lesion's size to decrease. The biological processes that lead to quick tissue regeneration are also activated by LLLT. The suggested therapeutic approach ensures that the patient will heal in the best possible way while also optimizing their comfort and safety. It extends beyond the mere removal of wounds. The case report demonstrates how well dual laser therapy works to lessen common postoperative issues that are commonly seen in traditional surgical therapies for lobular capillary hemangioma such as excessive bleeding and infection. The precise application of the diode laser minimizes damage to surrounding tissues, thereby enhancing the healing process. Additionally, following surgery, LLLT helps reduce pain and inflammation, which improves patient outcomes. The potential of diode laser and LLLT therapies for treating vascular lesions, including lobular capillary hemangioma, is evidenced by their therapeutic advantages. This encourages wider clinical applications and field research. The presented case report offers valuable clinical significance by highlighting an innovative therapeutic approach for lobular capillary hemangioma, a vascular lesion that can present challenges in management.

The Effect of Two Different Wavelengths of Diode Laser on the Shear Bond Strength of Composite to Dental Enamel after Bleaching Process: An In Vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, tooth whitening has become one of the most popular ways of achieving the original tooth color. The effect of whitening gel can be improved through heat, light or laser. The bond strength between the enamel and the composite can be reduced through bleaching and laser radiation. The purpose of this study is to assess the shear bond strength of resin composite to enamel after a bleaching process using hydrogen peroxide, with and without a laser (970 nm and 445 nm lasers). METHOD: This study used 51 extracted anterior teeth without caries that were divided into three groups. A 40% hydrogen peroxide gel was used on the enamel of all teeth. The control group received bleaching without a laser. Both the second and third treatment groups received bleaching with a laser, one with 970 nm and the other with 445 nm. After the bleaching process, all groups had etching, bonding and curing of the composite performed. Lastly, the shear bond strength between the enamel and the composite was measured and the failure modes were recorded. The data were compared using a one-way ANOVA test. RESULTS: The mean shear bond strength between the enamel and the composite in the 445 nm group three (445 nanometer) was significantly lower than the other groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the control and the 970 nm groups (p = 0.2). CONCLUSION: According to the laser wavelengths and parameters that were used in this study and the results of this study, office bleaching with a 445 nm laser weakened the shear bond strength between the enamel and the composite.

Longitudinal Mode Number Estimation of External Cavity Diode Laser Using Dual Periodic Grating for Optical Profiler System.

The concept of an optical profiler based on optical resonance was proposed, highlighting the initial requirements for mode number estimation. We proposed a method for estimating the longitudinal mode number of a laser propagating in an external cavity diode laser with high accuracy, utilizing dual-periodic diffraction gratings. These gratings were fabricated using interference lithography. To estimate the mode number, the wavelengths of two different modes are compared. Therefore, the greater the difference between the wavelengths, the higher the accuracy of the mode number determination. While the mode number difference was approximately 35 when using a conventional diffraction grating, this could be increased by a factor of 20 to around 700 using the dual-periodic grating. The relative accuracy achieved was 1.4 × 10-5.

Intraoral Applications of Lasers in the Prosthetic Rehabilitation with Fixed Partial Dentures-A Narrative Review.

Laser, an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, is a powerful tool with diverse applications in modern dentistry. It emits monochromatic, coherent light resulting from photon-induced chain reactions. Available dental lasers include diode, argon, Er,Cr:YSGG, Er:YAG, Nd:YAG, and CO2. The unique property of these lasers, allowing them to be effectively used on both soft and hard tissues based on the operational parameters, positions them as particularly suited for a wide range of dental procedures. Compared to traditional methods, lasers offer advantages such as improved hemostasis and quicker wound healing. Such benefits stress the shift towards laser technology in dental treatment. In the realm of dental prosthodontics, which focuses on esthetics, functionality, and the physiological aspects of dental prostheses, lasers provide promising outcomes. Among the prosthetic options, fixed partial dentures stand out for their ability to mimic natural teeth, offering both esthetic and functional features, leading to satisfactory long-term outcomes if managed properly. This review paper delves into the specific application of laser technology in the context of prosthetic rehabilitation involving fixed partial dentures. By investigating intraoral laser procedures, it contributes to understanding laser's role in improving patients' satisfaction and clinical efficiency in this field.

Effective Parameters for Orthodontic Tooth Movement Acceleration with Photobiomodulation: An Umbrella Review.

Objective: To answer this research question: What are the effective wavelength, power, and energy density parameters for achieving dental movement acceleration? Background Data: Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been clinically studied for its ability to accelerate dental movements in orthodontics. However, its effectiveness is dose dependent. Methods: The search was carried out in PubMed, SCOPUS, and ISI Web of Science. The quality of the included systematic reviews was performed using the AMSTAR 2 tool. The risk of bias was assessed using the ROBIS tool. Results: In total, 29 articles in PubMed, 75 in Scopus, and 61 in ISI Web of Science. Finally, only five systematic reviews were included. Conclusions: The results showed the range from 730 to 830 nm as the most effective range of wavelength to accelerate the orthodontic dental movement. A power range of 0.25-200 mW, with emphasis on the direct correlation between power, wavelength, and energy density. Energy density has not been adequately reported in the most randomized controlled clinical trials.

Concomitant Prostate Needle Biopsy and Laser Vaporization of the Prostate Could Be a Risk of Postoperative Hemoglobin Decline, a Retrospective Study.

Purpose: Contact laser vaporization of the prostate (CVP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia is a widely accepted and safe procedure for elderly patients because of its lower bleeding risks. However, CVP lacks a postoperative pathological examination for prostate cancer. Concomitant prostate biopsy and CVP may complement this disadvantage; however, the risk of bleeding associated with this procedure remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of a concomitant prostate biopsy and CVP. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study included 106 men who had undergone CVP in Nerima General Hospital. Prostate biopsies and CVP were performed simultaneously on 16 patients. We defined the "hemorrhage group" by a >5% decrease in hemoglobin the day after surgery. Preoperative and operative indices were evaluated based on the association with the hemorrhage group. Results: Participants in the concomitant biopsy group were older (p = 0.001), had larger prostates (p = 0.014), a lower rate of prostate biopsy history (p = 0.046), longer postoperative urinary catheter duration (p = 0.024), and a higher rate of decline in hemoglobin levels the day after surgery (p = 0.023). Patients in the hemorrhage group (n = 20, 18.9%) showed a significantly higher rate of concomitant biopsy and CVP (p = 0.006). Multivariate analysis showed that concomitant prostate biopsy (p = 0.009, odds ratio = 4.61) was the sole statistically significant predictive factor for hemorrhage. Conclusion: Concomitant prostate biopsy and CVP of the prostate may increase the risk of bleeding.

Successful Intentional Replantation of a Severely Compromised Tooth Using 3 Types of Phototherapy: A Case Report.

Background: Intentional replantation (IR) is an emerging and cost-effective last-resort treatment for persistent apical periodontitis. Adjunctive phototherapy for IR aims to improve the management of challenging cases by enhancing disinfection, stimulating healing and promoting regeneration. Objective: We report a novel phototherapy-assisted IR protocol conducted on a compromised lateral incisor with an extensive periapical infection (Ø > 10 mm) in a 68-year-old diabetic male. Methods: The IR protocol involved pre- and postoperative photobiomodulation (660 nm, 0.2 J/cm2, 60 sec/site), antimicrobial photodynamic therapy of the root surface (660 nm, 0.6 J/cm2, 30 sec, methylene blue photosensitizer), and Er:YAG root and socket debridement (2940 nm, 21 J/cm2, 30 sec). The total time from extraction to replantation was 14 min 35 sec. Results: The tooth at 3.5-year follow-up remained clinically functional with radiographic resolution of the infection indicating a successful reimplantation. Conclusions: This case report demonstrated that an adjunctive phototherapy IR protocol can effectively treat a compromised tooth with extensive periapical infection.

Laser Forced Dehydration of Benign Vascular Lesions of the Oral Cavity: A Valid Alternative to Surgical Techniques.

Background and Objectives: Low-flow vascular lesions are commonly encountered in the oral cavity and may require removal due to aesthetic concerns, repeated bleeding or a cluttering sensation. Laser devices represent an excellent aid due to their affinity with blood and to their biostimulating properties and have been substituting traditional excision in selected cases. Materials and Methods: In this study, 30 patients presenting with low-flow oral vascular lesions were included. The lesions were clinically evaluated as follows: lesion's site, reason for treatment, lesion's dimensions, confirmation of positive diascopy via compression with a glass slide and photograph. The lesions were treated with laser forced dehydration (LFD) and then followed-up after 3 weeks, 6 months and 1 year. The laser source was a K-Laser Blu Derma (Eltech, K-Laser S.r.l., Via Castagnole, 20/H, Treviso, Italy). In the case of incomplete healing, a further protocol was performed at the three-week follow-up, and a further follow-up was scheduled for three weeks after. The following aspects were evaluated at each appointment: pain, using a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) from 0 to 10 (0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain ever); the need to take painkillers (day of intervention and during follow-up); bleeding (yes/no); scar formation. Results: Complete regression was obtained in all patients, with no side effects. Only one patient required a second LFD protocol. NRS was 0 for all patients for the whole duration of the follow-up. None of the patients took painkillers on the day of the intervention and during the follow-up. One patient declared slight bleeding the day of the intervention, which she easily managed at home. One patient showed a small non-retracting and non-painful scar at the three-week follow-up. No recurrences were found after six months and one year. Conclusions: LFD targets endogenous chromophores, minimizing damage to adjacent tissue and limiting side effects. LFD is effective and could be considered a conservative alternative to traditional excision in low-flow lesions.

EFFECT OF LOW-LEVEL DIODE LASER ON DENTIN TOPOGRAPHY AND SYMPTOMATIC NONCARIOUS CERVICAL LESIONS PRIOR TO COMPOSITE RESTORATIONS: A SPLIT-MOUTH RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed alterations in sensitivity among symptomatic noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs) following the application of 3 low-level diode laser wavelengths before composite restoration. It analyzed the changes in dentin topography using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine patients with 36 NCCLs were randomly assigned intra-individually to 4 groups based on the laser wavelength: laser simulation, 445 nm, 660 nm, and 970 nm. Cavity preparation, irradiation, and composite restoration were performed for each lesion. Sensitivity to cold stimuli was recorded using a visual analog scale (VAS) before the intervention (baseline) and at 1 day, 14 days, 1-, 3-, and 6-month. Pulp sensibility was recorded using an electrical pulp tester (EPT) at baseline, before treatment, and at 3- and 6-month. Additionally, an in vitro examination was performed on 12 extracted human molars to yield 12 dentin discs. Each disc was randomly divided into 4 quadrants to receive the same laser wavelengths to determine the diameters of the tubules using SEM. Results were analyzed statistically for clinical studies by the Friedman test, while ANOVA (RM-ANOVA) was conducted in-vitro, followed by the Bonferroni test in the case of significance (P < .05). RESULTS: VAS readings decreased across all groups, with a significant decrease observed for 660 nm and 970 nm from 14 days to 6-month, while at 445 nm there was a significant decrease at 6-month compared to the control (P < .05). EPT showed a significant decrease in pain threshold levels at 660 nm and 970 nm at 3- and 6-month, while 445 nm showed a significant decrease at 6-month compared to the control (P < .05). The mean tubular diameter at 445 nm decreased, with no significant difference from the control, whereas a significant decrease was found at 660 nm and 970 nm compared to the control (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Prior to composite restoration in symptomatic NCCLs, diode lasers with a wavelength of 660 nm showed the highest reduction in sensitivity, followed by 970 nm, whereas 445 nm diode lasers showed the least reduction. Additionally, diode lasers with wavelengths of 660 and 970 nm reduced the width of the dentinal tubules (DT) without inducing melting, as viewed under SEM.

Diode laser surgery for the treatment of denture-induced fibrous hyperplasia: a case report.

Denture-induced fibrous hyperplasia (DIFH) is a persistent lesion caused by low-intensity chronic injury of the tissue in contact with an ill-fitting, over-extended denture. This fibrous connective tissue lesion commonly occurs in oral mucosa in patients showing important alveolar ridge atrophy. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for DIFH. This article describes a successful laser surgery to remove a DIFH on a lower alveolar ridge of a patient wearing an ill-fitting completely removable denture. The use of a diode laser may result in less surgical time, less bleeding during surgery, more vestibular depth, better re-epithelialization of the wound, and no need for suturing.

Comparative evaluation of bond strength of diode and neodymium-doped:Yttrium aluminum garnet-assisted bleached enamel with nanofilled composite: An in vitro study.

Background: The world of esthetic dentistry is constantly making efforts toward the management of tooth staining. Laser-assisted bleaching is needed before adhesive restorations and has become common and advantageous as it accelerates bleaching action, reduces postoperative sensitivity, and promotes recrystallization of enamel. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate and compare the bond strength of diode (Biolace: EpicX) and neodymium-doped:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) (LightWalker, Fotona, Slovenia) assisted bleached (Pola Office, SDI) enamel with nanofilled composite (GC Solare Sculpt). Materials and Methods: The samples were divided into three groups (n = 11): Group A - Conventionally bleached enamel, Group B - Diode laser-assisted bleached enamel, Group C - Nd:YAG laser-assisted bleached enamel. After storing samples in Artificial Saliva for 2 weeks, bonding was performed, and nanofilled composite resin was applied through an incremental method. Samples were subjected to shear bond strength (SBS) analysis. Conclusion: The use of Nd:YAG laser on bleached enamel significantly increases the bond strength with nanofilled composite resin.

Efficacy of a novel low-cost torchlight transcorneal transillumination for diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in adult glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To study the outcomes of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) with trans-corneal transillumination using a novel low-cost torchlight method in refractory glaucoma. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This prospective interventional study included patients with refractory glaucoma who underwent TSCPC with trans-corneal transillumination (TSCPC-TI) using a novel low-cost torchlight method. Patients completing a minimum 6-month follow-up were analyzed. They were compared to a historical control group of patients who underwent TSCPC without transillumination (TSCPC-No TI) at 6-month follow-up period. We analyzed the mean laser energy delivered, post-laser intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, number of antiglaucoma medications (AGM), the requirement of retreatment and complications of the procedure in both groups. RESULTS: 32 eyes of 29 patients comprised the TSCPC-TI group and were compared with 39 eyes of 37 patients in the TSCPC-No TI group. The TSCPC-TI group required lower energy than the TSCPC-No TI group (46.15 ± 22.8 Vs 80.65 ± 56.1 J p < 0.001). At 6-month follow-up, the TSCPC-TI group required lesser AGM for IOP control (2.33 ± 1.02 vs 3.02 ± 1.32 p = 0.01). There was a significantly reduced dependence of oral acetazolamide in the TSCPC-TI group at 6 months follow-up (15.6% vs 41% p = 0.03%). The success and response rates were 71.8% Vs 23.1%; p < 0.0001 and 87.5% Vs 51.2%; p = 0.001 significantly high in the TSCPC-TI group. The TSCPC-No TI group had a significantly high failure rate (12.5% Vs 48.2% p = 0.001). Hypotony (n = 1) and phthisis (n = 2) were noted TSCPC-No TI group. CONCLUSIONS: TSCPC with transillumination with a low-cost torchlight resulted in a more efficient and effective cycloablation than TSCPC without transillumination.