Comparative Evaluation of the Effects of CO and Er:YAG Lasers on Smear Layer Removal and Blood Cell Attachment to Tooth Root Surfaces.

The tooth root surfaces are modified by different agents for better removal of the smear layer, the formation of fibrin clots, and the attachment of blood cells. This in vitro study compared the removal of the smear layer, the formation of fibrin clots and the attachment of blood cells after exposing periodontally compromised root surfaces to ER:YAG and CO laser beams. Eighteen dentin block samples were prepared from freshly extracted periodontally compromised teeth that were deemed hopeless, and they were divided into 3 groups: exposed to Er:YAG laser beams, exposed to CO laser beams, and the control group.