None of the proposed treatments increased the adhesion of blood components in a significant way when compared to the control group. Although the Er:YAG laser did not interfere in the adhesion of blood components, it caused more changes on the root surface, whereas the Diode laser inhibited the adhesion.

Abstract:Objective: The purpose of this study is to make use of scanning electron microscopy in order to comparatively analyze the morphological alterations to human and bovine enamel and dentin. Earlier data: Many a morphological study involving Er:YAG laser can be found in the literature. Still, not a single study comparing the effects of this infrared laser in human and bovine teeth has been reported. Materials and Methods: Thirtytwo slices of human and bovine enamel and dentin were evenly divided into four groups. With the exception of the control group, the samples were irradiated with Er:YAG laser, focused at a distance of 12 mm and 10-hertz frequency, with 150, 250, and 350 mJ of output energy per pulse for 10 seconds. After irradiation all specimens were observed under a scanning electron microscope. Results: There was practically no morphological difference for those samples that underwent the 150 mJ/pulse irradiation. The dentin exposed to 250 mJ had few open dentinal tubules. These were seen in enamel after a 350 mJ irradiation, in which the energy was able to reach the dentin. Conclusions: The breadth of this study allows us to state that the pattern between the species grew more heterogeneous as the energy density was increased and that irradiation with 150 mJ/pulse resulted in greater likeness in human and bovine enamel and dentin. Z1 Z2 Z3Sketching of the classification proposed by Lizarelli and Bagnato [6], in which Z1 -center of the micro-cavity, the ablated area; Z2 -intermediate zone that may or may not exist; Z3 -region unaffected by irradiation

The aim of this study was to analyze, under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the morphologic characteristics of root surfaces after application of Carisolv TM gel in association with scaling and root planing (SRP). Sixty periodontally compromised extracted human teeth were randomly assigned to 6 groups: 1) SRP alone; 2) passive topical application of Carisolv TM + SRP; 3) active topical application of Carisolv TM + SRP; 4) multiple applications of Carisolv TM + SRP; 5) SRP + 24% EDTA; 6) topical application of Carisolv TM + SRP + 24% EDTA. Carisolv TM gel was applied to root surfaces for 30 s, followed by scaling and root planing, consisting of 50 strokes with Gracey curettes in an apical-coronal direction, parallel to the long axis of the tooth. The only exception was group 4, in which the roots were instrumented until a smooth, hard and glass-like surface was achieved. All specimens were further analyzed by SEM. The results showed that the treatment with Carisolv TM caused significant changes in root surface morphology of periodontally compromised teeth only when the chemical agent was actively applied (burnishing technique). Carisolv TM failed to remove the smear layer completely, especially with a single application, independently of the method of application. Multiple applications of Carisolv TM were necessary to achieve a smear layer reduction comparable to that obtained with 24% EDTA conditioning.

Scaling and root planing contribute to the recovery of periodontal health. All periodontal instruments loose their fine cutting angle after use. To maintain this angle, correct sharpening is required using specifically designed stones. The characteristics of sharpening stones can be compared to the blade of the instruments and also transported to root surface during instrumentation. Root smoothness is related to the quality of the blade. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of 9 sharpening stones by scanning electron microscopic and profilometric analyses. Ceramic and Neumar stones were very fine and both may be recommended to maintain the sharpness of the instruments. Arkansas, Thompson and CE stones presented greater roughness with very regular and round particles, and are suitable for maintenance of the cutting angle. In addition, these stones may be indicated for the routine sharpening of the instruments that are partly dull. Oxide Aluminum, Carborundum and JON stones were the coarsest with large irregular particles and may be indicated for initial sharpening of totally dull instruments with completion of sharpening with finer stones.