EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY CONTENTS.

Vol. 9 No. 2      June 2008

ISSN: 1591-996X      UBIC: 116-O

ABSTRACT: The Er: YAG laser has proven to be effective and efficient in dental hard tissue ablation. The Minimally Invasive Dentistry (MID) approach in caries removal is to stop the disease process and to restore lost tooth structure and function, maximizing the health potential of the tooth. One of the most important concepts of the MID is to preserve as much as possible the dental tissue and this approach is even more important in primary dentition where the dimensions of the crown are smaller and the dimension of the pulp chamber is bigger in relationship to the crown. After treating 30 children's teeth (primary molars and first permanent molars) with the Er: YAG laser we come to conclusion that laser treatment possesses the requirements of Minimal Invasive Dentistry: the possibility to ablate small area of infected layer guarantees maximum conservation f the tooth structure; using the antibacterial property of the Er: YAG laser we can decontaminate the affected layer that retain its remineralising potential; the lack of smear laver after vaporization with laser assures a better retention of the composite resin to the dentine; preparing the enamel surface with laser before etching gives a better marginal seal of the composite restoration. KEYWORDS: Minimally Invasive Dentistry, Er: YAG laser Caries ablation.

| Volver |