Outcomes of Flapless Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG Laser-Assisted Crown Lengthening: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: In recent years, erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) and erbium, chromium/yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) lasers have been introduced as another possibility to perform less-invasive flapless (FL) crown-lengthening (CL) procedures.

Objectives: The aim of this review is to describe the outcomes and complications of this approach.

Materials And Methods: A literature review was conducted to retrieve clinical studies and case reports that analyze different variables related to laser-assisted flapless crown lengthening and report their outcomes in terms of gingival margin level stability (GMLS), and postoperative complications.

Morphometric Analysis of the Mandibular Canal and Its Anatomical Variants in a Chilean Subpopulation: Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study.

The inferior alveolar nerve (IAN), contained within the mandibular canal (MC), is a structure prone to damage in clinical and surgical procedures on the mandible. This study aimed to analyze the MC morphology and its anatomical variants in a Chilean subpopulation using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). In total, 342 images from patients with the following parameters were observed: 120 kV, 9 mA, field of view 12 × 9 MC, and voxel size 0.

Histologic Evaluation of Effect of Three Wavelengths of Diode Laser on Human Gingival Margins.

Available evidence suggests that the response of the intervened tissue is directly linked to the effects generated by the cutting instrument used. To determine the histological findings in gingival tissue margins excised through gingivectomies performed using 450 nm, 940 nm, and 980 nm diode lasers. The present study aimed to determine the histological findings in gingival tissue margins excised through gingivectomies performed using 450 nm, 940 nm, and 980 nm diode lasers.

Comparative Study of Transmission of 2940 nm Wavelength in Six Different Aesthetic Orthodontic Brackets.

Background: Previous studies have confirmed the superiority of using erbium lasers (2940, 2780 nm) over other lasers in the debonding of ceramic brackets due to their safety and effectiveness. The most important factor in the debonding of aesthetic brackets is the transmission of the erbium laser through the aesthetic bracket to the adhesive resin.

Objective: To identify the transmission of the 2940 nm wavelength through different types of aesthetic brackets.

Post-endodontic pain evaluation after different intracanal laser assisted disinfection techniques. A Systematic Review.

Background: Post-endodontic pain (PEP) management is an important factor to be considered in endodontic treatment. Several risk factors have been described that can attribute to its appearance. Laser-assisted disinfection has been described by many authors for its antimicrobial effect.

Photobiomodulation therapy and endodontic treatment of teeth with apical periodontitis using 940-nm diode laser. Report of two cases.

Background: Diode laser (DL) can be used in endodontics both for its bactericidal effect inside the root canal system (RCS) and for photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) to accelerate the repair of periradicular bone tissue.

Clinical Cases: This work presents two cases of pulp necrosis/asymptomatic apical periodontitis (AAP) that were treated with 940-nm DL, administered both to disinfect the root canal and to apply PBMT to the periradicular tissues. The cases were analysed by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).

Laser-Assisted Esthetic Crown Lengthening: Open-Flap Versus Flapless.

This study compares the clinical outcomes of Er,Cr:YSGG (2,780 nm) laser-assisted open-flap (OF) and flapless (FL) esthetic crown lengthening (ECL) for the treatment of altered passive eruption. Thirty-six healthy patients requiring ECL were randomly divided into two groups: OF and FL. Gingivectomy and ostectomy were performed with an Er,Cr:YSGG laser in both groups.

Photodynamic Therapy in Endodontics: A Helpful Tool to Combat Antibiotic Resistance? A Literature Review.

Background: Antibiotic resistance has become a growing global problem where overprescription is a contributing factor for its development. In the endodontics field, complementary treatments, such as antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), have been described to eliminate residual bacteria from the root canal space and reduce complications. The aim of this review is to describe the literature evidence up to now regarding the advantages, efficiency, and clinical outcomes of this therapy in endodontics as a possible tool to combat antibiotic resistance.

Laser dentistry in daily practice during the COVID-19 pandemic: Benefits, risks and recommendations for safe treatments.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced dental professionals to cope with an unexpected challenge and caused an abrupt cessation of conventional care practices. The high degree of contagiousness as well as the diffusion of the virus through the air and droplets via respiratory transmission placed dental professionals at top-level risk of contracting and spreading the disease. General recommendations were announced in different countries, including patient distancing, air ventilation, surface and instrument sanitization, and the wearing of suitable masks and shields.

Success Rate of Benign Oral Squamous Papilloma Treatments After Different Surgical Protocols (Conventional, Nd:YAG, CO and Diode 980 nm Lasers): A 34-Year Retrospective Study.

The aim of our retrospective study is to compare the long-term recurrence rate of the benign oral squamous papilloma (OSP) with different laser-assisted treatments and conventional procedures (use of scalpels) aiming to suggest the most suitable surgical protocol showing the lowest recurrence rate. A retrospective multicenter DATA collection between 1985 and 2019 covering 781 OSP cases concerning different surgical protocols used for the treatment of OSP was done and included the use of different laser wavelengths [neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG), carbon dioxide (CO), and Diode 980 nm] and the conventional surgeries using the scalpel. The age, sex, and the oral location of the OSP were noted.

Aerosols generation using Er,Cr:YSGG laser compared to rotary instruments in conservative dentistry: A preliminary study.

Background: In restorative dentistry, the use of high-speed air turbine, which generates aerosols, can be associated with the transmission of airborne diseases. New laser technologies could be useful in reducing the amount of aerosols, but there is a lack of scientific research on this topic.

Material And Methods: This is a descriptive study to analyze the amount of aerosols produced after class I cavity preparation using high-speed air turbine (group 1) and Er,Cr:YSGG laser with two different parameters (groups 2 and 3).

A randomized split-mouth clinical trial comparing pain experienced during palatal injections with two different computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery systems.

Background: Several methods have been proposed to reduce pain during injection. The main aim to this study was to compare the pain perception in patients receiving palatal injections of local anesthesia using two different computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery systems (C-CLAD) - Dentapen® and The STA Wand®).

Material And Methods: A randomized, split-mouth and simple blind clinical trial was carried out at the Dental Hospital of the University of Barcelona (Spain) involving a sample of 20 healthy volunteers.

Aesthetic Treatment Outcomes of Capillary Hemangioma, Venous Lake, and Venous Malformation of the Lip Using Different Surgical Procedures and Laser Wavelengths (Nd:YAG, Er,Cr:YSGG, CO, and Diode 980 nm).

Different approaches with different clinical outcomes have been found in treating capillary hemangioma (CH), venous lake (VL), or venous malformations (VM) of the lips. This retrospective study aims to assess scar quality, recurrence rate, and patient satisfaction after different surgeries with different laser wavelengths. A total of 143 patients with CH or VM were included.

Effect of an Er,Cr:YSGG Laser on the Surface of Implants: A Descriptive Comparative Study of 3 Different Tips and Pulse Energies.

Peri-implant diseases are one of the main complications of dental implants. There are no well-established guidelines regarding laser parameters for implant decontamination. The aim was to compare two different settings of irradiation of the Er,Cr:YSGG laser on dental implants regarding surface alterations and determine the best settings for less damage on the surface.

Effect of Photobiomodulation (Diode 810 nm) on Long-Standing Neurosensory Alterations of the Inferior Alveolar Nerve: A Case Series Study.

To evaluate and describe the results of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy on the treatment of long-standing neurosensory inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) alterations after third molar extraction. The use of PBM is an acceptable alternative method to improve the therapeutic outcomes of neural lesions. Longitudinal case study research.

Er,Cr:YSGG Laser in the Debonding of Feldspathic Porcelain Veneers: An Study of Two Different Fluences.

New applications in laser technology in aesthetic restorative dentistry merit further research. This study compares the debonding strength and failure mode of feldspathic ceramic veneers using either Er,Cr:YSGG (erbium,chromium:ytrrium-scandium-gallium-garnet) laser at two levels of fluency or no laser (control group). An comparative study was carried out using bovine teeth that were randomly distributed into 3 groups of 21 specimens each: (a) experimental group 1 (EG1): irradiated with Er,Cr:YSGG (Waterlase iPlus; Biolase, Irvine) at an energy density per pulse of 4 J/cm, using a handpiece (Turbo; Biolase) with a sapphire tip (MX7) and applying the beam perpendicular to the specimen at a distance of 4 mm for 60 sec; (b) experimental group 2 (EG2): irradiated as in EG1, but at 2.

Evaluation of student-to-student local anaesthesia administration at the University of Barcelona: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: To determine changes in anxiety perceived in students during their first experience injecting local anaesthetic and assess the variability in the perception in the teaching/learning experience as surgeons and patients in relation to gender.

Material And Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on students enrolled in the Anaesthesia and Resuscitation course at the University of Barcelona. A descriptive and bivariate analysis was carried out using McNemar and Fisher tests.

Er,Cr:YSGG Laser-Activation Enhances Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Action of Low Concentrations of Sodium Hypochlorite in Root Canals.

The onset and persistence of endodontic infections due to residual biofilm after chemical disinfection promotes secondary bacterial infection. Alternative methods to disinfect operated root canals are a matter of great interest. The aim was to evaluate the antibacterial effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) at low concentrations activated by the Er,Cr:YSGG laser-activated irrigation (LAI) against 10-day-old intracanal biofilm.

Er,Cr:YSGG Laser-Activated Irrigation and Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation: Comparison of Two Strategies for Root Canal Disinfection.

To compare the antibacterial effectiveness of 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) activated by the Er,Cr:YSGG laser-activated irrigation (LAI) and passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) against a 10-day-old intracanal biofilm. LAI and PUI are regarded as alternative methods to release the irrigant in the inner regions of the root canal system achieving enhanced cleaning ability.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the photobiomodulation in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity after basic therapy. A randomized clinical trial.

Background: Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) in one of the most common causes of patient discomfort in the general population and its prevalence is higher in patients who have received basic or surgical periodontal treatment. Efficiency of the diode laser with different wavelengths has been studied by several authors, showing an improvement rate of the DH between 60-98%. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) treatment on the reduction of DH after non surgical periodontal treatment.

A randomized split-mouth clinical trial comparing pain experienced during palatal injections with traditional syringe versus controlled-flow delivery Calaject technique.

Objective: To compare the pain experienced by patients during injections of local anesthesia in the palate using the traditional syringe and the controlled flow technique with the Calaject system.

Method And Materials: A single-blind, split-mouth, randomized controlled trial was performed. Twenty-five volunteers were recruited in the Dental Hospital of the University of Barcelona, Spain.

Low-level laser therapy/photobiomodulation in the management of side effects of chemoradiation therapy in head and neck cancer: part 2: proposed applications and treatment protocols.

Purpose: There is a large body of evidence supporting the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), more recently termed photobiomodulation (PBM) for the management of oral mucositis (OM) in patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC). Recent advances in PBM technology, together with a better understanding of mechanisms involved and dosimetric parameters may lead to the management of a broader range of complications associated with HNC treatment. This could enhance patient adherence to cancer therapy, and improve quality of life and treatment outcomes.

Low level laser therapy/photobiomodulation in the management of side effects of chemoradiation therapy in head and neck cancer: part 1: mechanisms of action, dosimetric, and safety considerations.

Purpose: There is a large body of evidence supporting the efficacy of low level laser therapy (LLLT), more recently termed photobiomodulation (PBM), for the management of oral mucositis (OM) in patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC). Recent advances in PBM technology, together with a better understanding of mechanisms involved, may expand the applications for PBM in the management of other complications associated with HNC treatment. This article (part 1) describes PBM mechanisms of action, dosimetry, and safety aspects and, in doing so, provides a basis for a companion paper (part 2) which describes the potential breadth of potential applications of PBM in the management of side-effects of (chemo)radiation therapy in patients being treated for HNC and proposes PBM parameters.