COMPARATIVE-STUDY OF THE THERMAL EFFECTS OF 4 SEMICONDUCTOR-LASERS ON THE ENAMEL AND PULP CHAMBER OF A HUMAN TOOTH

An in vitro thermometric study was conducted on various GaAlAs semiconductor lasers emitting at wavelengths between 750 nm and 905 nm, to verify whether these lasers produce significant heating during application to tooth structure. Measurements were conducted in vitro, using a thermal camera and a thermocouple during a 60, 120, and 180 s laser exposure at energy densities between 1.5 and 2,400 J/cm(2). Mean temperature changes on surface enamel were statistically significant in all groups at P less than or equal to .05 and P less than or equal to .01. The higher the energy density applied to a surface area, the greater the temperature rise observed using the same spot size, operation mode, and wavelength. Intrapulpal temperature elevations measured greater than or equal to 3 degrees C. An in vivo study was also conducted to determine whether perceptible stimuli are experienced by patients during this time of laser treatment and to verify results of the in vitro study. The results did not conform well with the in vitro study because of uncontrollable variables. None of the patients who received irradiation treatment described any perceptible stimuli. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.