Effects of the Nd:YAG laser and combined treatments on in vitro fibroblast attachment to root surfaces

Abstract

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of the Nd:YAG laser either alone or in combination with root planning or air-powder abrasive treatment on fibroblast attachment to non-diseased root surfaces. 28, 4 x 4 mm root specimens and four disc-shaped root specimens 6 mm in diameter were obtained from unerupted 3rd molars. The root segments were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups: (1) control; (2) laser-only treated; (3) laser treated followed by root planning; (4) laser treated followed by air-powder abrasive treatment. Laser-treated root specimens were exposed for 1 min with the Nd:YAG laser calibrated at an energy setting of 75 mJ at 20 pulses/s using a 320 microns contact fiber. The contact fiber was held parallel to the root segments and the root segments were kept moist with distilled water. Following the prescribed treatments, the root specimens were incubated with fibroblast cultures and then prepared for SEM examination. Results of cell counts of fibroblasts attached to specimens within each treatment group yielded the following means and standard deviations: control groups, 181.64 +/- 44.74; lased only, 78.57 +/- 21.35; lased and root planed 125.35 +/- 26.13; and lased followed by an air-powder abrasive, 177.28 +/- 55.71. Application of ANOVA followed by the Dunn Multiple Comparison test revealed significant differences (p < 0.01) in the number of attached cells between the control and laser-only treated groups; and between the laser-only and laser/air-powder abrasive treated groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Lasers and soft tissue: periodontal therapy

“…The American Academy of Periodontology, in its position statement on lasers in ENAP, 15 states 'The Academy is not aware of any published data that indicates that the ENAP laser procedure is any more effective for these purposes than traditional scaling and planing'. 12,[16][17][18][19][20][21][22] This is sharply contrasted by reports by Gregg and McCarthy, reported in later journals. [23][24][25] In 2004 in a study presented by Evans 26 to review the new attachment procedure on a sample of six cases, evidence was given to show new cementum and bone growth, including periodontal ligament.…”

Root Surface Biomodification with Nd:YAG Laser for the Treatment of Gingival Recession with Subepithelial Connective Tissue Grafts

“…38,[46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54] Studies with Nd:YAG laser using different parameters 47,48 have shown that mean power settings ranging between 1.25-3.00 W promote a root surface change leading to fusion and resolidification of the cement mineral portion alongside crack and fissure formation. Thomas et al 46 reported that the Nd:YAG laser denatures root surface proteins, and they suggest that the complement of the conventional mechanical treatment of the root surface would be important on the reduction of these irregularities aiming for a more biocompatible root surface. Meanwhile, Trylovich et al 49 found that Nd:YAG laser application modifies biocompatibility of root surfaces and reduces the number of attached fibroblasts in comparison with untreated controls.…”

Effects of Nd:YAG laser irradiation on cultured human gingival fibroblasts

“…However, potential detrimental effects to the root surface could occur if the irradiation conditions are not controlled well [24][25][26]. In contrast to many studies on structural change of hard tissue, the effect of Nd:YAG laser on soft tissue need more investigation.…”