Temperature changes in the deciduous pulp chamber during cavity preparation with the Er:YAG laser.

Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the temperature changes in the pulp chambers of deciduous molars during cavity preparation with an Er:YAG (erbium substituted: yttrium aluminium garnet) laser.

Methods: Two cavities were prepared in 14 maxillary deciduous molars: one with the Er:YAG laser and other with a diamond bur using a high-speed handpiece (control), providing 4 groups with 7 cavities each. The laser treatment was applied for 30 seconds (group 1) and 60 seconds (group 3).