The impact of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in an artificial biofilm model.

The susceptibility of bacterial cultures in biofilm formations is important for a variety of clinical treatment procedures. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the impact of laser-induced antimicrobial photodynamic therapy on the viability of Streptococcus mutans cells employing an artificial biofilm model. Using sterile chambered coverglasses, a salivary pellicle layer was formed in 40 chambers.

Subjective intensity of pain during supportive periodontal treatment using a sonic scaler or an Er:YAG laser.

Objective: To assess the subjective intensities of pain during supportive periodontal treatment using a sonic scaler or an Er:YAG laser.

Material And Methods: Forty patients with two residual periodontal pockets following conventional periodontal therapy were treated using a sonic scaler and an Er:YAG laser in a split-mouth design. A visual analogue scale was used for pain assessment directly after each treatment procedure.

Short-term clinical effects of adjunctive antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in periodontal treatment: a randomized clinical trial.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of adjunctive antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in chronic periodontitis.

Material And Methods: Twenty patients with untreated chronic periodontitis were included. All teeth received periodontal treatment comprising scaling and root planing.

Root surfaces after ultrasonic instrumentation with a polishing fluid.

Objective: The recently introduced Vector system is recommended to be used in conjunction with a polishing fluid containing hydroxylapatite granules (<10 Microm). The aim of the present study was to assess morphologic alterations of the root surface after ultrasonic treatment with the polishing fluid.

Method And Materials: Cementum of 30 freshly extracted human teeth was removed to a level of 4 mm below the cementoenamel junction.

Detection of subgingival calculus with a novel LED-based optical probe.

Background: A recently introduced detection device is designed for objective subgingival calculus diagnosis. The aim of the present study was to assess the possibility of detecting subgingival calculus with this novel LED-based optical probe in vitro.

Methods: Twenty extracted human teeth with calculus on the root surface were fixed on a translation stage.

Clinical and microbiological effects of local chlorhexidine applications.

Aim: To study the effects of an application of chlorhexidine varnish (40%) on dental plaque.

Design: Randomised controlled clinical trial.

Subjects: 40 patients (50% females), aged 25-34 years after undergoing any necessary restorative treatment.

Er:YAG laser scaling of diseased root surfaces.

Background: The removal of calculus and plaque is an essential component of a therapeutic approach to control periodontal disease. Er:YAG laser scaling was recently introduced as an alternative to conventional scaling procedures. In this histological study, the effects of laser instrumentation of diseased root surfaces are compared to mechanical removal of plaque and calculus with ultrasonic instruments and scalers.

The effects of pulsed ultraviolet and infra-red lasers on dental enamel.

To evaluate micromorphological changes seen in enamel following irradiation with pulsed lasers, extracted human teeth were treated with a TEA-CO2, an Er:YAG and an ArF laser systems. Light and scanning electron microscopic studies demonstrate that the Er:YAG laser produces a zone of microcracks in the subsurface area. While TEA-CO2 laser irradiation results mostly in surface melting, the Er:YAG laser produces a roughened enamel surface.

Excimer lasers in dentistry: future possibilities with advanced technology.

The thermal side effects of carbon dioxide and neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet lasers limit their clinical applications. These high-powered, infrared lasers result in zones of charring and carbonization even in soft tissues and the bone. In contrast, the pulsed, ultraviolet radiation emitted by excimer lasers causes limited thermal, denaturative damage to surrounding tissues.