The effect of photodynamic therapy on postoperative pain in teeth with primary endodontic infection.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to investigate the action of photodynamic therapy on pain control after endodontic treatment in asymptomatic teeth with a primary infection, within a single visit. METHODS: Sixty (60) single-rooted teeth with pulp necrosis and periapical lesions were selected and randomly divided into two (2) groups (n = 30), according to the protocol; a control group (CG) and a group using photodynamic therapy (aPDT). The canals were instrumented with Reciproc files # 25 up to 40 along the entire length of the canal, using 2% chlorhexidine gel as the auxiliary chemical substance, followed by irrigation with sterile saline. aPDT consited of 0.005% methylene blue as photosensitizer, using AsGaAl diode laser, 660 nm wavelength, 100 mW of power and 9 J of energy, using optical fibers with 365 µm in diameter. The canals were filled with Endomethasone N cement. RESULTS: Pain intensity was assessed at 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 h and 1 week after endodontic treatment using a visual analogue scale. The level of pain was classified as none (0), mild (1-3), moderate (4-7) or severe (8-10). The data were at a significance level of 5%. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in the periods of 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h between the control group and the aPDT group. After 1 week, there was no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that photodynamic therapy had a significant effect on decreasing post-endodontic treatment pain in teeth with necrotic pulp and asymptomatic periapical lesions.

Influence of Er:YAG laser surface treatment on flexural and bond strengths to glass-infiltrated zirconia-reinforced ceramic.

To evaluate the effect of Er:YAG laser conditioning of a glass-infiltrated alumina-based zirconia-reinforced ceramic on its flexural strength and on bonding to a resin cement. Sixteen blocks (5 × 5 × 4 mm) and 50 discs (Ø 12 mm, 1 mm thickness) of In-Ceram Zirconia (ICZ) obtained from CAD-CAM blocks were infiltrated with glass. For the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) test, all blocks were treated with aluminum oxide (AOX) and divided into 4 groups (n = 4): G1 (AOX), no combined surface treatment; G2 (ROC), tribochemical silica-coating; G3 (EY200), Er:YAG laser 200 mJ/15 Hz; and G4 (EY250), Er:YAG laser 250 mJ/10 Hz. The ceramic blocks were silanated and cemented with a resin cement (Panavia F2.0/Kuraray) to composite resin blocks and subjected to the µTBS test. For the flexural strength evaluation, the discs were divided into 5 groups (n = 10) as described above, in addition to a control group (G5 - CTRL, mirror-polished without further treatment). Each surface treatment was submitted to qualitative evaluation under SEM. One-way ANOVA (α = 5%) revealed the highest bond strength value for EY200 with no significant difference from ROC. The groups AOX and EY250 showed similar µTBS values that were statistically lower than those of EY200. For flexural strength, ROC was the only group with significantly lower values when compared with the CTRL. The use of Er:YAG laser at 200 mJ/15 Hz can be considered an innovative and effective alternative for surface conditioning of ICZ since it did not reduce the flexural strength of the ceramic and improved the resin cement bond to this substrate.

Treatment of herpes labialis by photodynamic therapy: Study protocol clinical trial (SPIRIT compliant).

BACKGROUND: Lesions of herpes labialis are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 and cause pain and aesthetic compromise. It is characterized by the formation of small vesicles that coalesce and rupture forming extremely painful ulcers, that evolve to crusts, dry desquamations until their complete remission. Currently the treatment of these lesions is done with acyclovir. Although it diminishes the symptomatology, it causes viral resistance and does not prevent the recurrence of the lesions. It is known that antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has numerous advantages, among them: the reduction of the time of remission, and does not cause resistance. This protocol will determine the effectiveness of PDT in lesions of herpes labialis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients with herpes labialis in the prodromal stage of vesicles, ulcers, and crusts will be selected to participate in the study and randomized into 2 groups: G1 control and G2 experimental. After signing Research Ethics Committee and TA, patients in group G1 will undergo the standard gold treatment for herpes labialis with acyclovir and simulated PDT treatment. Patients in the experimental G2 group will be treated simulating the gold standard treatment of herpes labialis (placebo) and PDT. In all patients, saliva samples will be collected for analysis of cytokines, and will be performed exfoliative cytology in the lesions. The pain will be assessed through a pain scale and a questionnaire of quality of life related to oral health (OHIP-14) will be given to them. Patients will continue to be followed up after 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months; if there is a recurrence of the lesion, they will contact the researchers.Clinical registration: clinicaltrials.gov - NCT04037475. Registered on July 2019.

Surface Characterization and Short-term Adhesion to Zirconia after Ultra-short Pulsed Laser Irradiation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the suitability of an ultra-short pulsed laser (USPL) to treat zirconia ceramic surfaces and increase their adhesion to dual-curing resin cement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty 10 × 10 × 5 mm³ blocks were prepared from a zirconia ceramic (Y-TZP). The specimens were polished and randomly assigned to four groups (n = 5) which received the following surface treatments: sandblasting (SB) with Al2O3 particles and silica coating (SC) with SiO2 particles as positive controls; two groups received USPL irradiation, one with 10 scan repetitions (L10) and the other with 20 (L20). Laser irradiation was performed at 1030 nm, 2.3 J/cm², 6 ps pulse duration. The ceramic blocks were duplicated in composite resin and cemented with a dual-curing resin cement. Half of the blocks were then stored in water (37°C) for 24 h and the other half for 1 month. At each time, 40 to 60 sticks per group were subjected to microtensile bond strength testing. Data were analyzed statistically using the Kruskal-Wallis test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Laser-treated zirconia presented statistically significantly higher roughness than did SB and SC. After 24 h, the highest bond strength means (MPa) were achieved by L10 (42.3 ± 10.8) and L20 (37.9 ± 14.4), and both of them were statistically significantly higher than SB (22.0 ± 5.3) and SC (20.8 ± 7.1) (p < 0.05). After 1 month of storage, L10- and L20-treated zirconia still showed significantly higher bond strengths than did SB- and SC-treated zirconia (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: USPL irradiation significantly increases bond strength of zirconia ceramic to dual-curing resin cement and might be an alternative for improving adhesion to this material.

A terapia fotodinâmica como benefício complementar na clínica odontológica / Photodynamic therapy as a complementary benefit in the dental clinic

Um dos grandes desafios do Cirurgião-Dentista é o controle microbiológico nas patologias dentárias. Independentemente da especialidade, a redução microbiana para o sucesso do tratamento é necessária. A terapia fotodinâmica vem sendo utilizada como coadjuvante ao tratamento tradicional, reduzindo significativamente a quantidade de microrganismos nos sítios-alvo e contribuindo para a solução de casos, principalmente na presença de infecções resistentes. Esta revisão de literatura tem como objetivo apresentar estudos laboratoriais e clínicos relacionados à terapia fotodinâmica em Periodontia, Endodontia e Estomatologia. Apesar da variedade de protocolos utilizados nas recentes pesquisas, a terapia fotodinâmica mostra-se promissora como coadjuvante ao tratamento convencional. Além disso, apresenta grande utilidade, fácil acessibilidade e baixo custo para o Cirurgião-Dentista frente a processos infecciosos em Odontologia.

One of the great challenges of the dentist is the microbiological control in dental pathologies. Regardless of specialty, microbial reduction for successful treatment is necessary. Photodynamic therapy has been used as an adjunct to traditional treatment, significantly reducing the amount of microorganisms in the target sites and contributing to the solution of cases, especially in the presence of resistant infections. This literature review aims to present laboratory and clinical studies related to photodynamic therapy in Periodontics, endodontics and Stomatology. Despite the variety of protocols used in recent research, photodynamic therapy is potentially used as an adjunct to conventional treatment. In addition, it is useful, easy to apply and with low cost to the dentist.

Quantitative analysis of dental enamel removal during a microabrasion technique

Objetivo: Quantificar, por meio de perfi lometria, a profundidade de esmalte dental removido durante o emprego de uma técnica de microabrasão utilizando-se ácido clorídrico e abrasão manual com espátula plástica. Método: Trinta e seis espécimes obtidos de terceiros molares humanos foram polidos, para obtenção de superfícies planas, e divididos em 3 grupos (n = 12) de acordo com os diferentes tratamentos recebidos: tratamento placebo com água deionizada, como controle negativo (CG); microabrasão com ácido clorídrico a 6.6, OpalustreTM (G1); e ácido clorídrico a 6, Whiteness RMTM (G2). A microabrasão foi realizada, de forma padronizada, submetendo os espécimes a 4 ciclos de 10 segundos cada e abrasão manual utilizando-se uma espátula plástica com carga de 200 g. A perda da superfície de esmalte foi medida após cada um dos ciclos de tratamento por meio de perfi lômetro de contato. Resultados: Após os primeiros 10 segundos de abrasão, já foi encontrada perda de esmalte em ambos os grupos tratados (G1 e G2). Nos grupos G1 e G2, a cada ciclo de 10 segundos, foi observado um aumento signifi cativo na perda de esmalte (p ≤0.05). Após 4 abrasões de 10 segundos cada, as médias de perda de esmalte nos grupos tratados foram 46.04 μm (G1) e 54.65 μm (G2). Foi encontrada uma diferença signifi cativa entre G1 e G2 com relação à perda de esmalte de microabrasão em esmalte dental com segurança, utilizando-se ácido clorídrico e abrasão manual com espátula plástica.

Objective: To quantify, by means of profi lometry, the removal of dental enamel during the use of a microabrasion technique involving the use of hydrochloric acid and manual abrasion with a plastic spatula. Method: Thirty six specimens obtained from human third molars were polished to obtain fl at surfaces and divided into 3 groups (n = 12) according to the different treatments received: A placebo treatment with deionized water as a negative control (CG); microabrasion with 6.6% hydrochloric acid, OpalustreTM (G1); and microabrasion with 6% hydrochloric acid, Whiteness RMTM (G2). The microabrasion was performed in a standardized manner by submitting the specimens to 4 cycles of 10 seconds each and manual abrasion using a plastic spatula (200 g load). The loss of enamel surface was measured after each cycle of treatment by contact profi lometry. Results: Enamel loss was already observed after the fi rst 10 seconds of abrasion with hydrochloric acid in both treated groups (G1 and G2). After 4 abrasions of 10 seconds each, the average fi nal enamel losses in the treated groups were 46.04 μm (G1) and 54.65 μm (G2). In the G1 and G2 groups, a signifi cant increase in enamel wear was detected in each cycle in comparison to the control group (p ≤ 0.05). A signifi cant difference in enamel loss between G1 and G2 was found after 30 and 40 seconds of microabrasion. Relevance: The results of this study provide objective data for safely performing the microabrasion technique on dental enamel using hydrochloric acid and manual abrasion using a plastic spatula.

Lasers in esthetic dentistry: soft tissue photobiomodulation, hard tissue decontamination, and ceramics conditioning.

The increasing concern and the search for conservative dental treatments have resulted in the development of several new technologies. Low and high power lasers can be cited as one of these new technologies. Low power lasers act at cellular level leading to pain reduction, modulation of inflammation, and improvement of tissue healing. High power lasers act by increasing temperature and have the potential to promote microbial reduction and ablation of hard and soft tissues. The clinical application of both low and high power lasers requires specific knowledge concerning laser interaction with biological tissues, so that the correct irradiation protocol can be established. The present case report describes the clinical steps of two metal-ceramic crowns development in a 60-year-old patient. Three different laser wavelengths were applied throughout the treatment with different purposes: Nd:YAG laser (1,064 nm) for dentin decontamination, diode (660 nm) for soft tissue biomodulation, and Er:YAG laser (2,940 nm) for inner ceramic surface conditioning. Lasers were successfully applied in the present case report as coadjutant in the treatment. This coadjutant technology can be a potential tool to assist treatment to reach the final success.

Association of different primers and resin cements for adhesive bonding to zirconia ceramics.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) to zirconia ceramics using different associations of primers and resin cements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two blocks of LAVA zirconia (3Y-TZP) were randomly submitted to an application of three different commercially available primers: Alloy Primer (AP), Z-Prime Plus (ZP), and Signum Zirconia Bond (SZB). Nonprimed specimens were considered controls. After treatment, the 80 specimens (5 mm × 5 mm × 2 mm) were randomly cemented with one of the resin cements: Panavia F, Multilink, seT, and NX3. For cementation, cylinders of resin cement were built on the ceramic surfaces using the SDI SBS apparatus. The specimens were submitted to the SBS test. Fractured surfaces were observed under stereomicroscopy to determine the failure mode, and mean bond strength values were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Signum Zirconia Bond had the highest SBS compared to all other primers and the control group, regardless of the resin cement used. The highest values were obtained when associating Panavia F with Signum Zirconia Bond. Alloy Primer increased bonding values when associated with seT cement only. When no primer was used, no statistical difference was observed among resin cements. All specimens fractured due to adhesive failure. CONCLUSION: Signum Zirconia Bond is capable of increasing bonding values of resin cements to zirconia ceramics. Its association with Panavia F shows enhanced results when considering short-term adhesion to zirconia.

Laser treatment of recurrent herpes labialis: a literature review.

Recurrent herpes labialis is a worldwide life-long oral health problem that remains unsolved. It affects approximately one third of the world population and causes frequent pain and discomfort episodes, as well as social restriction due to its compromise of esthetic features. In addition, the available antiviral drugs have not been successful in completely eliminating the virus and its recurrence. Currently, different kinds of laser treatment and different protocols have been proposed for the management of recurrent herpes labialis. Therefore, the aim of the present article was to review the literature regarding the effects of laser irradiation on recurrent herpes labialis and to identify the indications and most successful clinical protocols. The literature was searched with the aim of identifying the effects on healing time, pain relief, duration of viral shedding, viral inactivation, and interval of recurrence. According to the literature, none of the laser treatment modalities is able to completely eliminate the virus and its recurrence. However, laser phototherapy appears to strongly decrease pain and the interval of recurrences without causing any side effects. Photodynamic therapy can be helpful in reducing viral titer in the vesicle phase, and high-power lasers may be useful to drain vesicles. The main advantages of the laser treatment appear to be the absence of side effects and drug interactions, which are especially helpful for older and immunocompromised patients. Although these results indicate a potential beneficial use for lasers in the management of recurrent herpes labialis, they are based on limited published clinical trials and case reports. The literature still lacks double-blind controlled clinical trials verifying these effects and such trials should be the focus of future research.

Microtensile bond strength to Er: YAG laser pretreated dentin / Avaliação da adesão em dentina irradiada pelo laser de Er: YAG

Objective: Although the effects of Er:YAG (erbium:yttrium aluminium garnet) laser on cavity preparation as well as on dentin bonding to composite have been described in the literature, the longevity of this bond is still unknown. So, this study evaluated the short-term microtensile bond strength to dentin samples after different protocols of surface treatment. Materials and Methods: 60 bovine incisors were cleaned, worn to expose a dentin area and subdivided into groups according to treatment conditions: surface treatment (no irradiation – control group; dentin irradiation with Er:YAG laser 250 mJ/4 Hz; 160 mJ/10 Hz), adhesive system (Clearfil SE Bond - Kuraray; Adper Single Bond 2 - 3M/ESPE), and storage time (24 h; 90 days). After adhesive procedures, a block of Z250 composite resin (3M/ESPE) was built-up on each tooth. The teeth were sectioned to obtain samples for the microtensile bond strength test. Half of the samples were tested 24 h after cutting, and the other half were stored in distilled water for 90 days before testing. Intergroup analysis was also performed considering the same variables using ANOVA for multiple comparisons with Tukey test with a significance level of 5%. Data showed weaker bond strength for groups previously treated with laser (p < 0.05) compared with control groups, and these were not influenced by adhesive system used, nor by storage period. Stereoscopic microscope observations showed that fractures occurred predominantly at the adhesive interface in the groups irradiated with the Er:YAG laser. Conclusion: Within the parameters and variables used in this study, the Er:YAG laser could not provide an additional improvement in dentin-resin bond strength, irrespective of the type of adhesive system used or the storage period evaluated.

Objetivo: Ainda que a ação do laser de Er:YAG no condicionamento e preparo do substrato dentinário, bem como na resistência de união à resina composta já tenha sido descrita na literatura, a longevidade da adesão decorrente deste processo ainda não está bem estabelecida. Material e Métodos: Neste estudo, ensaios de microtração foram realizados em palitos obtidos de 60 incisivos bovinos, subdivididos em 12 grupos constituídos pela combinação das variáveis: tratamento dentinário prévio com o laser de Er:YAG (250 mJ/ 4 Hz; 160 mJ / 10 Hz) e sem irradiação (grupo controle), sistema adesivo (Clearfil SE Bond /Kuraray; Adper Single Bond / 3M ESPE) e período de armazenagem (24 h; 90 dias). Os resultados mostraram menor resistência à microtração (com diferença estatisticamente significante p = 0,05) em relação aos grupos não tratados com o laser, não importando o sistema adesivo empregado, nem o período de armazenagem. A observação ao microscópio estereoscópico mostrou que as fraturas ocorreram predominantemente na interface adesiva para os grupos submetidos ao laser de Er:YAG. Conclusão: Portanto, a irradiação com o laser, nos parâmetros e variáveis utilizados e em comparação com os grupos controle, afetou negativamente a adesão à dentina, não havendo alteração relevante na longevidade da adesão para os períodos de armazenagem avaliados.

Precise ablation of dental hard tissues with ultra-short pulsed lasers. Preliminary exploratory investigation on adequate laser parameters.

This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of introducing ultra-short pulsed lasers (USPL) in restorative dentistry by maintaining the well-known benefits of lasers for caries removal, but also overcoming disadvantages, such as thermal damage of irradiated substrate. USPL ablation of dental hard tissues was investigated in two phases. Phase 1--different wavelengths (355, 532, 1,045, and 1,064 nm), pulse durations (picoseconds and femtoseconds) and irradiation parameters (scanning speed, output power, and pulse repetition rate) were assessed for enamel and dentin. Ablation rate was determined, and the temperature increase measured in real time. Phase 2--the most favorable laser parameters were evaluated to correlate temperature increase to ablation rate and ablation efficiency. The influence of cooling methods (air, air-water spray) on ablation process was further analyzed. All parameters tested provided precise and selective tissue ablation. For all lasers, faster scanning speeds resulted in better interaction and reduced temperature increase. The most adequate results were observed for the 1064-nm ps-laser and the 1045-nm fs-laser. Forced cooling caused moderate changes in temperature increase, but reduced ablation, being considered unnecessary during irradiation with USPL. For dentin, the correlation between temperature increase and ablation efficiency was satisfactory for both pulse durations, while for enamel, the best correlation was observed for fs-laser, independently of the power used. USPL may be suitable for cavity preparation in dentin and enamel, since effective ablation and low temperature increase were observed. If adequate laser parameters are selected, this technique seems to be promising for promoting the laser-assisted, minimally invasive approach.

Microtensile bond strength of composite resin to glass-infiltrated alumina composite conditioned with Er,Cr:YSGG laser.

Tribochemical silica-coating is the recommended conditioning method for improving glass-infiltrated alumina composite adhesion to resin cement. High-intensity lasers have been considered as an alternative for this purpose. This study evaluated the morphological effects of Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation on aluminous ceramic, and verified the microtensile bond strength of composite resin to ceramic following silica coating or laser irradiation. In-Ceram Alumina ceramic blocks were polished, submitted to airborne particle abrasion (110 µm Al(2)O(3)), and conditioned with: (CG) tribochemical silica coating (110 µm SiO(2)) + silanization (control group); (L1-L10) Er,Cr:YSGG laser (2.78 µm, 20 Hz, 0.5 to 5.0 W) + silanization. Composite resin blocks were cemented to the ceramic blocks with resin cement. These sets were stored in 37°C distilled water (24 h), embedded in acrylic resin, and sectioned to produce bar specimens that were submitted to microtensile testing. Bond strength values (MPa) were statistically analyzed (α ≤0.05), and failure modes were determined. Additional ceramic blocks were conditioned for qualitative analysis of the topography under SEM. There were no significant differences among silicatization and laser treatments (p > 0.05). Microtensile bond strength ranged from 19.2 to 27.9 MPa, and coefficients of variation ranged from 30 to 55%. Mixed failure of adhesive interface was predominant in all groups (75-96%). No chromatic alteration, cracks or melting were observed after laser irradiation with all parameters tested. Surface conditioning of glass-infiltrated alumina composite with Er,Cr:YSGG laser should be considered an innovative alternative for promoting adhesion of ceramics to resin cement, since it resulted in similar bond strength values compared to the tribochemical treatment.

The use of lasers in restorative dentistry: truths and myths / O uso de laseres na odontologia restauradora: verdades e mitos

Researchers have been investigating the clinical applications of lasers in dentistry, which can be operated in high and low intensity. The high intensity lasers work with increasing temperature for ablation, vaporization, cutting and coagulating of the tissue while the low level lasers therapy are used in the photophysical, photobiological and photochemical effects on the cells of the irradiated tissues. This review approaches the use of lasers of high and low intensity focused in restorative dentistry. The indications for high power lasers are for dental erosion treatment, in the reconstitution of the canine guides, in the final removal of carious tissue, for dentin hypersensitivity, for microbial reduction, in the conditioning of enamel and dentin for adhesive systems and for caries prevention in pits and fissures. The low power laser can be used after cavity preparation in order to reduce post-operative sensitivity, in aesthetic procedures for maintaining periodontal health and also in the photodynamic therapy, which provides microbial reduction, combining a photosensitizing agent to a light source

Pesquisadores têm investigado as aplicações clínicas dos laseres na odontologia, que podem ser operados em alta e baixa intensidade. Os laseres de alta intensidade têm ação com o aumento da temperatura propiciando a ablação, a vaporização, o corte e a coagulação dos tecidos enquanto que a fototerapia com laser em baixa intensidade é utilizada para se obter efeitos fotofísicos, fotobiológicos e fotoquímicos sobre as células dos tecidos irradiados. Esta revisão aborda o uso de laseres em alta e baixa intensidade, focado na odontologia restauradora. As indicações para os laseres de alta potência incluem o tratamento da erosão dentária, a reconstituição dos guias caninos, a remoção final de tecido cariado, a redução microbiana, o condicionamento do esmalte e dentina para uso dos sistemas adesivos e a prevenção de cárie em sulcos e fissuras. Os laseres em baixa potência podem ser utilizados após o preparo da cavidade, a fim de reduzir a sensibilidade pós-operatória, em procedimentos estéticos para a manutenção da saúde periodontal e também na terapia fotodinâmica, que proporciona uma redução microbiana, combinando um agente de fotossensibilização a uma fonte de luz

Laser phototherapy for Stevens-Johnson syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a life-threatening dermatosis characterized by epidermal sloughing and stomatitis. We report the case of a 7-year-old boy in whom laser phototherapy (LPT) was highly effective in reversing the effects of an initial episode of SJS that had apparently developed in association with treatment with phenobarbital for a seizure disorder. The patient was first seen in the intensive care unit (ICU) of our institution with fever, cutaneous lesions on his extremities, trunk, face, and neck; mucosal involvement of his genitalia and eyes (conjunctivitis); ulcerative intraoral lesions; and swollen, crusted, and bleeding lips. He reported severe pain at the sites of his intraoral and skin lesions and was unable to eat, speak, swallow, or open his mouth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Trying to prevent and minimize secondary infections, gastric problems, pain, and other complications, the patient was given clindamycin, ranitidine, dipyrone, diphenhydramine (Benadryl) drops, and morphine. In addition, he was instructed to use bicarbonate solution and Ketoconazole (Xylogel) in the oral cavity. Because of the lack of progress of the patient, the LPT was selected. RESULTS: At 5 days after the initial session of LPT, the patient was able to eat gelatin, and on the following day, the number and severity of his intraoral lesions and his labial crusting and swelling had diminished. By 6 days after his initial session of LPT, most of the patient's intraoral lesions had disappeared, and the few that remained were painless; the patient was able to eat solid food by himself and was removed from the ICU. Ten sessions of LPT were conducted in the hospital. The patient underwent three further and consecutive sessions at the School of Dentistry, when complete healing of his oral lesions was observed. CONCLUSION: The outcome in this case suggests that LPT may be a new adjuvant modality for SJS complications.

Laser phototherapy in the treatment of periodontal disease. A review.

Many studies in the literature address the effect of low-power lasers in the management of pathologies related to periodontal tissues. Due to the lack of standardized information and the absence of a consensus, this review presents the current status of laser phototherapy (LPT) in periodontics and discusses its benefits and limits in the treatment of periodontal disease. The literature was searched for reviews and original research articles relating to LPT and periodontal disease. The articles were selected using either electronic search engines or manual tracing of the references cited in key papers. The literature search retrieved references on wound and bone healing, analgesia, hypersensitivity, inflammatory process and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. Each topic is individually addressed in this review. The current literature suggests that LPT is effective in modulating different periodontal disease aspects in vitro, in animals, and in simple clinical models. Further development of this therapy is now dependent on new clinical trials with more complex study designs.

Immediate implant placement and restoration in the esthetic zone: a prospective study with 18 months of follow-up.

PURPOSE: This clinical study aimed to assess the dimensional stability of peri-implant soft tissues around immediately placed and restored implants in the maxillary esthetic zone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve systemically healthy patients presenting with a hopeless maxillary central incisor were selected. Provisional restorations were delivered immediately after tooth extraction and implant placement. Periimplant soft tissue dimensions were measured either by direct clinical examination or evaluation of study casts. Measurements were performed before extraction; immediately after implant and restoration placement; and 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months postoperatively. The distances assessed were: tip of the mesial papilla to the mesioincisal edge of the adjacent central incisor, tip of the distal papilla to the mesioincisal edge of the adjacent lateral incisor, and the length of the clinical crown of the definitive restoration. RESULTS: All patients completed the study, and no implants failed within the 18-month follow-up period (100% survival rate). No statistical differences were observed in the distances between the incisal edge of the adjacent teeth and the mesial and distal papilla tips (P = .303 and .099, respectively) at any follow-up appointment. Likewise, there were no alterations in the definitive clinical crown dimensions during the follow-up period (P = .406). CONCLUSION: The findings of this 18-month prospective study indicate that, within the selection criteria and technique presented in this study, immediate implants with immediate restorations can be a predictable option for the replacement of teeth in the esthetic zone, providing stability to the peri-implant soft tissue.

Influence of etching with erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet laser on microleakage of class V restoration.

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate some parameters of dental etching when irradiated with an erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser. One-hundred sound human third molars were selected and randomly distributed into ten groups (n = 10). The class V cavities of group 1 (control) were prepared with a bur and etched with 37% phosphoric acid, while groups G2 to G10, were prepared with laser (5 W, 88.46 J/cm(2), 90/70% air/water) and etched with the following powers: G3 and G4, 0.25 W; G5 and G6, 0.5 W; G7 and G8, 0.75 W; G9 and G10, 1 W. Group G2 received no laser etching. Prior to restoration, G2, G4, G6, G8 and G10 received acid etching. After restoration, all samples were submitted to a microleakage test. According to statistical analysis (Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests), G10 presented the lowest microleakage values (P<0.05). The other groups showed no differences between them. Etching with Er,Cr:YSGG laser (1 W) followed by phosphoric acid was effective in reducing the microleakage of class V restorations.

Calcitonin, sodium alendronate and high intensity laser in the treatment of traumatized teeth: a preliminary study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser compared with traditional treatment on dentin permeability to calcitonin and sodium alendronate. Forty bovine roots were sectioned and divided into eight groups. Groups 1 and 2 (G1/G2) were immersed in saline solution; G1T/G2T were immersed in ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid plus sodium lauryl ether sulfate (EDTA-T) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); G1I/G2I were irradiated with Er:YAG laser (2.94 microm, 6 Hz, 40.4 J/cm(2)); G1TI/G2TI were immersed in EDTA-T, NaOCl and subjected to Er:YAG irradiation. After 4 h the radioactivity of the saline solution was measured. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference (P < 0.05) when the groups treated with EDTA-T and NaOCl followed by Er:YAG laser irradiation were compared with the groups treated with EDTA-T only and with the groups that received no treatment. Er:YAG laser associated with traditional procedures significantly increased the diffusion of calcitonin and sodium alendronate through dentin. All groups showed calcitonin and sodium alendronate diffusion.

Low- and high-intensity lasers in the treatment of herpes simplex virus 1 infection.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is one of the most common viral infections of the human being. Although most of the seropositive persons do not manifest symptoms, infected individuals may present recurrent infections, characterized by cold sores. HSV-1 infection can result in potentially harmful complications in some patients, especially in those with compromised immunity. We report a clinical case of a patient with severe oral HSV-1 infection in the lower lip. The treatment of the lesions with the association of high-intensity (erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet, 2.94 mum, 80 mJ/pulse, 2-4 Hz) and low-intensity (indium gallium aluminum phosphide, 660 nm, 3.8 J/cm(2), 10 mW) lasers has not been reported in the literature. During treatment, no systemic or topical medication was used. Pain sensitivity was completely gone after the first irradiation with the low-intensity laser. During the healing process, lesions were traumatized twice, on the days 4 and 7. Even though the lesions were completely healed within 10 days.