The Roughening Effects of Er:YAG, Nd:YAG and KTP Laser Systems on Root Dentin Surface

Objectives: Present study aimed to evaluate the roughening ability of different laser systems on the middle and apical third of roots. Materials and Methods: Sixty extracted human single-rooted single canal mandibular premolar teeth were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n=20). Standardized preparation and sterilization procedures were performed. The samples were irradiated with Er:YAG, Nd:YAG, and KTP laser systems. The laser irradiations (1.5 Watt) were applied with a spiral motion, starting 1 mm short of the apex and then moving coronally for 10 sec, interleaved with 15-sec recovery intervals for each irradiation. This process was repeated twelve times. The roots that were standardized in the same length and thicknesses were divided parallel to the longitudinal axis. Then, the middle and apical 1/3 surface roughness values of each root section were measured using a profilometer and SEM analysis was performed. The data obtained were analyzed using the two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post-hoc tests. Results: According to measurements obtained from middle and apical 1/3 surfaces; Although, the statistically highest roughness value was determined after Nd:YAG laser (P < 0.05), the statistically lowest value was detected following the Er:YAG laser irradiation (P < 0.05). Conclusions: In light of the present study, all laser systems caused significant roughness surface. Therefore, laser systems should be carefully applied in human root canals.