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Evaluation of carbon dioxide laser irradiation associated with calcium hydroxide in the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity. A preliminary study

Lasers in Medical Science volume 26, pages 35–42 (2011)Cite this article

Abstract

Attempts have been made to treat dentinal hypersensitivity by sealing exposed dentinal tubules, and the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser has been shown to have a sealing effect on dentinal surfaces. The purpose of this study was to analyze the morphological ultra-structure and temperature change after CO2 laser irradiation of dentin. Fourteen human third molars were selected and cleaned. An area was delimited, and the samples were randomly divided into seven groups: Group 1 (G1): control; G2, calcium hydroxide paste (CA) + CO2 laser (L) (0.5 W/63,69 W/cm2); G3, CA + L (1 W/125,38 W/cm2); G4, CA + L (1.5 W/191,08 W/cm2); G5, L (0.5 W); G6, L (1 W); G7, L (1.5 W). All irradiation was performed in unfocused mode. The electron micrographs were analyzed by three observers. For temperature analysis, a thermocouple was used. Data were subjected to statistical analysis. The Kruskal–Wallis non-parametric test showed statistical differences between the groups (P < 0.05). For the two by two comparisons, all groups treated with calcium hydroxide paste presented significantly higher mean scores. In the groups treated by CO2 laser only, fusion, re-crystallization, cracks and carbonization were observed. A change of 1 ± 5°C was noted in the temperature. Under the limitation of an in vitro study, and with the protocols used, we concluded that CO2 laser is safe to use for the establishment of partial fusion and re-solidification of the dentinal surface.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to express their gratitude to the Special Laboratory of Lasers in Dentistry (LELO) at the University of São Paulo, Brazil. They thank the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) for financial support, the Mestrado Profissionalizante de Lasers em Odontologia (MPLO; Professional Master’s Course in Lasers in Dentistry) and Fundação para o Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico da Odontologia (FUNDECTO; Foundation for the Scientific and Technological Development of Dentistry) for the use of the CO2 laser.

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Affiliations

  1. Lasers in Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil

    Ana Cristina Cury Camargo Romano

  2. Department of Restorative Dentistry, Special Laboratory of Lasers in Dentistry (LELO), School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2227, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

    Ana Cecilia Corrêa Aranha & Carlos de Paula Eduardo

  3. Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil

    Bruno Lopes da Silveira

  4. Lasers and Applications Center, Energy and Nuclear Research Institute (IPEN), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil

    Sônia Lícia Baldochi

Authors
  1. Ana Cristina Cury Camargo Romano
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  2. Ana Cecilia Corrêa Aranha
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  3. Bruno Lopes da Silveira
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  4. Sônia Lícia Baldochi
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  5. Carlos de Paula Eduardo
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Correspondence to Ana Cecilia Corrêa Aranha.

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Romano, A.C.C.C., Aranha, A.C.C., Lopes da Silveira, B. et al. Evaluation of carbon dioxide laser irradiation associated with calcium hydroxide in the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity. A preliminary study. Lasers Med Sci 26, 35–42 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-009-0746-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-009-0746-4

Keywords

  • CO2 laser
  • Calcium hydroxide
  • Dentin hypersensitivity