Effects of Nd : YAG laser irradiation on root canal dentin wall: A scanning electron microscopic study

Objective: the purpose of this study was to evaluate, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the effects of Nd:YAG laser irradiation applied perpendicular or parallel to the root canal dentin wall. Methods: Thirty human teeth were divided into two groups: Group A (20 roots), laser application with circular movements, parallel to the dentin root surface; and Group B (10 roots), roots cut longitudinally and laser applied perpendicular to the root surface. Group A was subdivided into A1 (10 roots), laser application with 100 mJ, 15 Hz and 1.5 W; and A2 (10 roots) with 160 mJ, 15 Hz, and 2.4 W. Group B was subdivided into B1 (10 hemisections) and B2 (10 hemi-sections) with parameters similar to A I and A2. Four applications of 7-sec duration were performed, with a total exposure of 28 sec. SEM evaluations were made in the cervical, middle, and apical thirds, with 500X and 2000X magnifications. Morphological changes scores were attributed, and the results were submitted to Kruskal Wallis statistical test (5%). Results: Significant statistical differences were found between groups A and B (p = 0.001). In groups A1 and A2, few areas of dentin melting were observed. In groups B1 and B2, areas of melting dentin covering dentin surface were observed. Conclusions: It was concluded that intracanal laser application with circular movements (parallel to the surface) produces limited morphological changes in root canal dentin wall.

Effects of copper vapor laser radiation on the root canal wall of human teeth: A scanning electron microscope study

Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of copper vapor laser radiation on the radicular wall of human teeth. Materials and Methods: Immediately after the crowns of 10 human uniradicular teeth were cut along the cement-enamel junction, a chemical-surgical preparation of the radicular canals was completed. Then the roots were longitudinally sectioned to allow for irradiation of the surfaces of the dentin walls of the root canals. The hemi-roots were separated into two groups: one (control) with five hemi-roots that were not irradiated, and another (experimental) with 15 hemi-roots divided into three subgroups that were submitted to the following exposure times: 0.02,0.05, and 0.1 s. A copper vapor laser (510.6 nm) with a total average power of 6.5 W in green emission, frequency of 16.000 Hz, and pulse duration of 30 ns was used. Results: The results obtained by scanning electron microscope analysis showed the appearance of a cavity in the region of laser beam impact, with melting, recrystallization, and cracking on the edges of the dentin of the cavity due to heat diffusion. Conclusions: We determined that the copper vapor laser produces significant morphologic changes in the radicular wall of human teeth when using the parameters in this study. However, further research should be done to establish parameters that are compatible with dental structure in order to eliminate thermal damages. © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

The malate synthase of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a linked surface protein that behaves as an anchorless adhesin

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

MRT letter: Extended depth from focus reconstruction method for stretch zone measurement in 15-5PH steel

The stretch zone width (SZW) data for 15-5PH steel CTOD specimens fractured at -150 degrees C to + 23 degrees C temperature were measured based on focused images and 3D maps obtained by extended depth-of-field reconstruction from light microscopy (LM) image stacks. This LM-based method, with a larger lateral resolution, seems to be as effective for quantitative analysis of SZW as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM), permitting to clearly identify stretch zone boundaries. Despite the worst sharpness of focused images, a robust linear correlation was established to fracture toughness (KC) and SZW data for the 15-5PH steel tested specimens, measured at their center region. The method is an alternative to evaluate the boundaries of stretched zones, at a lower cost of implementation and training, since topographic data from elevation maps can be associated with reconstructed image, which summarizes the original contrast and brightness information. Finally, the extended depth-of-field method is presented here as a valuable tool for failure analysis, as a cheaper alternative to investigate rough surfaces or fracture, compared to scanning electron or confocal light microscopes. Microsc. Res. Tech. 75:11551158, 2012. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

3-D reconstruction by extended depth-of-field in failure analysis - Case study I: Qualitative fractographic investigation of fractured bolts in a partial valve

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Analyse titanium surface irradiated with laser, with and without deposited of durapatite

OBJETIVO: Estudar a superfície de implantes osseointegráveis utilizando discos de titânio irradiados com feixe de laser. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi irradiada com feixes de laser de alta intensidade (Nd-YAG), posteriormente depositado hidróxiapatita e submetido a tratamento térmico. Foi analisada sob MEV (Microscópio Eletrônico de Varredura) e realizada análise morfológica qualitativa com microfotografias em vários aumentos. RESULTADOS: A superfície irradiada com laser apresentou deformidade superficial e característica isomórfica; a aplicação de hidroxiapatita pelo método de biomimético aumentou quantitativamente a área da superfície de titânio. CONCLUSÃO: A deposição de hidroxiapatita apresentou melhor característica isomórfica e aumento quantitativo da área superficial estudada, a amostra demonstrou características não encontradas nos implantes disposto no mercado.

Surface and Biomechanical Study of Titanium Implants Modified by Laser With and Without Hydroxyapatite Coating, in Rabbits

Surface and biomechanical analysis of titanium implant surfaces modified by laser beam with and without hydroxyapatite. Titanium implants with 3 different surfaces were inserted into the tibias of 30 rabbits: group I (GI) machined surface (control group), group II irradiated with laser (GII), and group III irradiated with laser and hydroxyapatite coating applied-biomimetic method (GIII). Topographical analysis with scanning electron microscopy was made before surgery in the tibia. These rabbits were distributed into 2 periods of observation: 4 and 8 weeks postsurgery, after which biomechanical analysis (removal torque) was conducted. Statistical analysis used the Student-Newman-Keuls method. Surface showed roughness in GII and GIII. Biomechanical analysis demonstrated values with significant differences in GII and GIII. Titanium implants modified by laser irradiation can increase osseointegration during the initial phase.

Increased Viability of Odontoblast-Like Cells Subjected to Low-Level Laser Irradiation

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effect of Er : YAG and diode laser irradiation on the root surface: Morphological and thermal analysis

Background: the aim of the present study was to compare the effects of Er:YAG and diode laser treatments of the root surface on intrapulpal temperature after scaling and root planing with hand instruments.Methods: Fifteen extracted single-rooted teeth were scaled and root planed with hand instruments. The teeth were divided into 3 groups of 5 each and irradiated on their buccal and lingual surfaces: group A: Er:YAG laser, 2.94 mum/100 mJ/10 Hz/ 30 seconds; group B: diode laser, 810 nm/1.0 W/0.05 ms/30 seconds; group C: diode laser, 810 nm/1.4 W/0.05 ms/30 seconds. The temperature was monitored by means of a type T thermocouple (copper-constantan) positioned in the pulp chamber to assess pulpal temperature during and before irradiation. Afterwards, the specimens were longitudinally sectioned, and the buccal and lingual surfaces of each root were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy.Results: In the Er:YAG laser group, the thermal analysis revealed an average temperature of -2.2 +/- 1.5degreesC, while in the diode laser groups, temperatures were 1.6 +/- 0.8degreesC at 1.0 W and 3.3 +/- 1.0degreesC at 1.4 W. Electronic micrographs revealed that there were no significant morphological changes, such as charring, melting, or fusion, in any group, although the specimens were found to be more irregular in the Er:YAG laser group.Conclusions: the application of Er:YAG and diode lasers at the utilized parameters did not induce high pulpal temperatures. Root surface irregularities were more pronounced after irradiation with an Er:YAG laser than with a diode laser.

Effect of Er,Cr:YSGG and Er:YAG laser irradiation on the adhesion of blood components on the root surface and on root morphology

The aim of this study was to conduct an in vitro evaluation, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), of the adhesion of blood components on root surfaces irradiated with Er,Cr:YSGG (2.78 mu m) or Er:YAG (2.94 mu m) laser, and of the irradiation effects on root surface morphology. Sixty samples of human teeth were previously scaled with manual instruments and divided into three groups of 20 samples each: G1 (control group) - no treatment; G2 - Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation; G3 - Er:YAG laser irradiation. After performing these treatments, blood tissue was applied to 10 samples of each group, whereas 10 samples received no blood tissue application. After performing the laboratory treatments, the samples were observed under SEM, and the resulting photomicrographs were classified according to a blood component adhesion scoring system and root morphology. The results were analyzed statistically (Kruskall-Wallis and Mann Whitney tests, alpha = 5%). The root surfaces irradiated with Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers presented greater roughness than those in the control group. Regarding blood component adhesion, the results showed a lower degree of adhesion in G2 than in G1 and G3 (G1 x G2: p = 0.002; G3 x G2: p = 0.017). The Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG laser treatments caused more extensive root surface changes. The Er:YAG laser treatment promoted a greater degree of blood component adhesion to root surfaces, compared to the Er,Cr:YSGG treatment.

Microscopical analysis of Candida albicans biofilms on heat-polymerised acrylic resin after chlorhexidine gluconate and sodium hypochlorite treatments

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Adhesion strength characterization of PVDF/HA coating on cp Ti surface modified by laser beam irradiation

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

In vitro antibacterial action of Tetraclean, MTAD and five experimental irrigation solutions

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Nd:YAG Laser Irradiation of Etched/Unetched Dentin Through an Uncured Two-step Etch-and-Rinse Adhesive and its Effect on Microtensile Bond Strength

Purpose: To evaluate whether Nd:YAG laser irradiation of etched and unetched dentin through an uncured adhesive affected the microtensile bond strength (pTBS).Materials and Methods: Flat dentin surfaces were created in 19 extracted human third molars. Adper Single Bond (SB) adhesive was applied over etched (groups 1 to 3) or unetched dentin (groups 4 to 6). The dentin was then irradiated with a Nd:YAG laser through the uncured adhesive, using 0.75 or 1 W power settings, except for the control groups (groups 1 and 4). The adhesive was light cured and composite crowns were built up. After 24 h, the teeth were sectioned into beams, with cross-sectional areas of 0.49 mm(2), and were stressed under tension. Data were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha = 5%). Dentin surfaces of fractured specimens and the interfaces of untested beams were observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Results: Acid etching, laser irradiation, and their interaction significantly affected bonding (p < 0.05). Laser irradiation did not improve bonding of etched dentin to resin (p > 0.05). However, higher pTBS means were found on unetched lased dentin (groups 5 and 6), but only in comparison to group 4, where neither lasing nor etching was performed. Groups 4 to 6 showed the lowest pTBS means among all groups tested (p < 0.05). Laser irradiation did not change the characteristics of the hybrid layers created, while solidification globules were observed on lased dentin surfaces under SEM.Conclusion: Laser irradiation of dentin through the uncured adhesive did not significantly improve the pTBS in comparison to the suggested manufacturer's technique.

Morphology and bacterial colonisation of tooth/ceramic restoration interface after different cement excess removal techniques

Objectives: To evaluate the influence of different protocols for resin cement removal during cementation on biofilm formation.Methods: Twenty-eight ceramic blocks, which were injected under pressure, were placed over enamel blocks obtained from freshly extracted bovine incisors. The ceramic blocks were cemented to the enamel blocks using a dual-cured resin cement and the excess resin was removed according to the experimental group: TS: Teflon spatula; BR: brush; BR+: brush and polishing; SB+: scalpel blade and polishing. After autoclaving, the samples were colonised by incubation in a sucrose broth suspension standardised with Streptococcus mutans in microaerophilic stove. Specimens were quantitatively analysed for bacterial adherence at the adhesive interface using confocal laser scanning microscopy and counting the colony forming units, and qualitatively analysed using SEM. The roughness (Ra/Rz/RSm) was also analysed. Data were analysed by 1-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (5%).Results: The roughness values ranged from 0.96 to 1.69 mu m for Ra (p > 0.05), from 11.59 to 22.80 mu m for Rz (p = 0.02 < 0.05) and from 293.2 to 534.3 mu m for RSm (p = 0.00). Bacterial adhesion varied between 1,974,000 and 2,814,000 CFU/ml (p = 0.00). Biofilm mean thickness ranged from 0.477 and 0.556 mu m (p > 0.05), whilst the biovolume values were between 0.388 and 0.547 mu m(3)/mu m(2) (p = 0.04). Lower values for roughness, bacterial adhesion, biofilm thickness and biovolume were found with BR, whilst TS presented the highest values for most of the parameters. SEM images confirmed the quantitative values.Conclusions: The restoration margin morphology and interface roughness affects bacterial accumulation. The brush technique promoted less bacterial colonisation at the adhesive interface than did the other removal methods.Clinical significance: The brush technique seems to be a good option for removing the excess resin cement after adhesive cementation in clinical practice, as indicated by its better results with lower bacterial colonisation. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.