In Vitro Study of Temperature Changes in Pulp Chamber During Root Planing Procedure Using Er:YAG Laser.

AIM: To assess temperature changes at specified time intervals during Er:YAG laser scaling and root planing of surfaces with dental calculus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen single-rooted teeth with advanced periodontal disease were extracted and fixed in a cylinder thermostat filled with distilled water at constant temperature (35.5°C). A specially designed thermal probe (type K thermocouple) accurate to ±0.1°C over the range from 20°C to 80°C was fitted into the pulp chamber of tooth sample. Scaling and root planing of the mesial and distal root surfaces was performed using an Er:YAG laser (Lite Touch, Syneron Dental, Israel) with a wavelength of 2940 nm, provided with a chisel tip, and at the following settings: output energy 100 mJ and 50 Hz, duration of irradiation - 40 sec, the tip in contact mode oblique to the root surface at an angle of approximately 10-15 degrees and water spray level 5-6. The temperature inside the pulp chamber was measured every 10 sec. RESULTS: The temperature in the pulp chamber taken every 10 seconds and compared with the temperature of 35.5°C at baseline decreased by 1.6°C, 2.4°C, 2.5°C, and 2.5°C for the first, second, third and fourth measurement, respectively. These changes did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The Er:YAG laser does not increase the temperature inside the pulp chamber. The assessed changes do not depend on the duration of irradiation which was kept within 40 seconds. Therefore, this treatment modality causes no thermal damage to the pulp under the above defined conditions and can be considered safe.

Effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

UNLABELLED: The AIM of this study was to evaluate the effect of non-surgical therapy on clinical variables and glycemic control on type 2 diabetics with chronic periodontitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty six type 2 diabetics with chronic periodontitis were randomized into two groups (group A and group B). Treatment included scaling and root planning for group A plus systematic use of doxycycline in both groups. Assessment was made prior to and 16 weeks following the therapy. RESULTS: Analysis of data showed that both groups had clinical and glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc) improvement after the treatment. Group A had a statistically significant reduction of plaque index and bleeding on probing scores compared with controls (P < 0.05) at 16 weeks. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that non-surgical therapy is of value in maintaining periodontal health and may be beneficial in reducing blood glucose level in type 2 diabetics with chronic periodontitis.

Effects of surgical periodontal therapy on serum levels of TNF-alpha in patients with chronic periodontitis.

AIM: To find if serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) can change after a surgical periodontal treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Moderate to severe periodontitis subjects who received basic periodontal treatment were included in the study and randomly divided into two groups. In group A, periodontal surgery was performed. In group B, supportive periodontal therapy was administered. Clinical parameters including probing pocket depth, plaque index and circulating serum TNF-alpha levels were assessed at baseline and 16 weeks following treatment. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in periodontal health of the surgery group compared with the control subjects, with reduction in plaque index and pocket probing depths. The circulating levels of TNF-alpha decreased statistically significantly in the group A (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Surgical periodontal therapy can reduce the circulating serum levels of TNF-t.