Bactericidal activity of erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet laser in root canals.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser by measuring its bactericidal effect inside root canals experimentally colonized with Enterococcus faecalis. We also determined the optimal conditions for the Er,Cr:YSGG laser to achieve the maximal bactericidal effect. An Er,Cr:YSGG Waterlase laser was used, and its antimicrobial effect was compared with that of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) at various concentrations as widely used in clinics.

Prevalence and risk of gingival overgrowth in patients treated with diltiazem or verapamil.

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors for gingival enlargement in patients treated with diltiazem or verapamil.

Material And Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted and data from 46 patients actually taking diltiazem or verapamil were compared with 49 cardiovascular controls that never received any of these drugs. All patients were examined for the presence of gingival enlargement using two different indices, the vertical gingival overgrowth (GO) index, and horizontal Miranda & Brunet (MB) index in the inter-dental area.