Aim: Lasers are used for different types of dental treatments. Using the erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser to remove dental hard tissue is simple, advantageous and influences the type of cavity preparation, whether conventional or conservative in nature. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the morphological and histopathological changes in the enamel, dentin and pulp tissue of the teeth treated by Er:YAG laser and conventional burs.
Methods: A conventional class I cavity was prepared in orthodontic patients by laser and bur. The teeth were extracted and analyzed for morphological changes using a scanning electron microscope, ground sections and histopathological changes under a light microscope.
Results: The time with laser was longer than the conventional methods. The lased cavity showed irregular appearance with absence of smear layer which is suitable for the resin restoration. The ground section and the histopathological study showed no differences between the groups.
Conclusion: The Er:YAG laser is effective in the removal of dental hard tissue without damaging the pulp when coupled with ideal energy output. It is widely used in different dental fields. It needs time to be accepted by dentist and patients and further studies are required to explore its advantages.
Keywords: bur; histopathology; laser; restoration; scanning electron microscope.
© 2019 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.