Effects of laser-aided circumferential supracrestal fiberotomy on root surfaces

Objective: To evaluate and compare the effects of circumferential supracrestal fiberotomy in vivo (using diode, CO2, and Er:YAG lasers) on the morphology and chemical composition of the root surface. Materials and Methods: Forty healthy premolar teeth, intended for extraction for orthodontic reasons, were used in this study. Root surfaces were treated using different laser methods, as follows: (1) control; (2) Er:YAG laser (2.94 mu m, 100 mJ, 10 Hz); (3) diode laser (808 nm, 1.2 W, continuous wave); and (4) CO2 laser (10.6 mu m, 3 W, continuous wave). Subsequently, the teeth were removed and subjected to scanning electron microscopic (SEM) examination and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectrometric analysis. Results: SEM analysis indicated that no thermal changes, including melting or carbonization, were observed following the lasing procedures. EDX analysis showed that the laser procedures resulted in similar mineral contents (weight % of calcium and phosphate) as compared to those in the control group. Conclusion: Based on these findings, we concluded that laser-aided procedures, when used at appropriate laser settings, preserve the original morphology and chemical composition of cementum. (Angle Orthod. 2011;81:1021-1027.)