Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of power bleaching on human enamel microhardness activated by three different light sources, namely the light emitting diode (LED), diode laser, and neodymium: Yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd: YAG) laser. Materials and Methods: Fifty enamel samples were randomly divided into five test groups each containing 10 samples (n = 10). The enamel surfaces of samples were polished and baseline Vickers microhardness values were evaluated. Control group samples were untreated and stored in artificial saliva. Experimental groups were subdivided into four groups based on bleaching treatment carried out. Enamel samples were treated with 40% hydrogen peroxide gel for 2 cycles of 20 min per bleach cycle (with and without light activation). Microhardness was reassessed on 1 ^st , 7 ^th , and 21 ^st day after storage in artificial saliva. Results were subjected to statistical analysis using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test. Results: There was a statistically significant difference present in enamel microhardness values compared to the unbleached and bleached group. On comparing 1 ^st and 7 ^th day to the baseline values there was a statistically significant difference in all the experimental groups. No statistically significant difference existed between the baseline values and 21 ^st day. Conclusion: Activation with various light sources (LED/diode laser/Nd: YAG laser) do not have additional deleterious effects on enamel microhardness and thus can be used safely to hasten the bleaching procedure.

Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to objectively evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of an in-office bleaching system using a titanium dioxide impregnated bleaching gel in conjunction with an 810 nm diode laser as opposed to a conventional in-office bleaching system. Settings and Design: The study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics, PMS College of Dental Science and Research, Vattapara. The study is an observational study of experimental design. Materials and Methods: Ten subjects were screened based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Resin dam was applied onto the gums and the teeth are isolated. Opalescence boost bleach gel is applied onto two quadrants of each patient, one with titanium dioxide and exposed to 810 nm GaAlAs diode laser and the other quadrant with conventional in-office bleaching using the same agent in trays. Comparison and assessment of degree of whitening between quadrants (and thereby techniques) was done using a Vita Shade guide. The dentinal hypersensitivity was assessed by means of air stimulus. Statistical Analysis Used: Non-parametric test (Wilcoxon signed test), was used to compare the effect of laser bleaching and conventional in-office bleaching based on visual analog score (VAS) score. To compare the shade difference McNemar test was used. Results: Statistically significant value, Z = 2.831 was obtained which proved that laser bleaching had significantly less sensitivity compared to conventional in office bleaching. McNemar test obtained a P value 1, showed that there is absolutely no difference in the brightness obtained by both laser bleaching and conventional in-office bleaching. Conclusions: Laser energy is able to effect physicochemical changes in enamel this is affected by crystalline changes within hydroxyapatite crystal and by the removal of the organic content or carbonate in the intercrystalline areas. Such changes also protect against the harmful effects due to extensive penetration of hydroxyapatite. Diode laser 810 nm has been shown to have effected such changes in bleaching settings.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of low power diode laser (LPDL) 810 nm as an adjunct to nonsurgical treatment of mild to moderate aggressive periodontitis (AgP). Background: AgP is a rapidly progressive severe form of periodontitis; conventional treatment depends on the concept of plaque control and bacterial eradication. Scaling and root planning (SRP) is the basic periodontal treatment, has its limitations, so new treatment modalities are needed. Materials and Methods: The use of low power laser was suggested as an adjunct to periodontal treatment, as it was proven earlier to have a positive biomodulatory effect on biological tissues if suitable parameters were used for the condition in hand. A split-mouth design clinical trial was performed. The laser group received both SRP plus laser, and the control group only received SRP. The clinical evaluation included periodontal pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), plaque index (PI), modified gingival index (MGI), and gingival recession (GR), were taken at baseline and at 3 months. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) was screened by sampling gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) at baseline and at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after treatment. Results: Showed a significant decrease of PPD and CAL in favor of laser group. PI, MGI, and GR showed no significant difference between both groups. TGF-β1 mean percentage showed a significant steady decrease in the laser group. Conclusion: Low power laser parameters in this clinical trial can be used as an adjunct to SRP in treatment of mild to moderate AgP.

Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate and compare the clinical effectiveness of gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) diode laser alone and with topical 2% Stannous fluoride gel in the management of dentinal hypersensitivity. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients (14 males and 16 females, age 19-70 years), contributing 534 teeth with dentin hypersensitivity (DH) were assessed by air stimuli and measured by verbal rating scale (VRS). For each patient, the sensitive sites were randomly divided into Group 1(G1) (267 teeth), treated by application of 2% stannous fluoride gel followed by application of GaAlAs diode laser (Sunny Germany, 980 nm, 2W, 25 Hz) in continuous mode and Group 2 (G2) (267 teeth), was subjected to only diode laser at the same parameters employed in G1. VRS recordings were assessed before treatment, 15 min after the laser application and at the end of 2, 7, 14 and 30 days after treatment. Results: Both the Groups have shown significant reduction in DH after the laser irradiation but reduction in DH was more evident in G1 than G2. Conclusion: Diode laser is a useful device for DH management and addition of stannous fluoride has synergistic effect on laser desensitization effect.

Introduction: Surface pretreatment of posts is expected to increase the chemical and mechanical bond between the luting composite resin and the post by exposing the surface glass fibers and allowing the silane-coupling agent to directly react with the silicate group of the glass fibers allowing a stronger bond to form between the post and the resin cement. The best method to do this has not been definitively determined. Aim: To analyze the surface changes on glass fiber posts after pretreatment with erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Er: YAG) laser at different settings. Materials and Methods: Twenty glass fiber posts (ReforPost, Angelus, Londrina, Brazil) were divided into four groups. Group I: No surface pretreatment was performed Group II: Surface pretreatment of posts with Er: YAG laser at 1 W Group III: Surface pretreatments of posts with Er: YAG laser at 1.5 W Group IV: Surface pretreatment of posts with Er: YAG laser at 2 W. Results and Conclusion: Er: YAG laser does not damage the glass fibers at 1.5 W and at the same time clears the epoxy resin coating over the surface of the posts potentially allowing silane coupling agent to chemically interact with exposed glass fibers.

Epulis fissuratum is an overgrowth of intraoral tissues resulting from chronic irritation by ill-fitted dentures. The etiology is persistent mucosal irritation and trauma, mostly seen over alveolar ridges or in vestibular sulcus. This report describes a case of 58-year-old female with soft tissue hyperplastic growth in labial vestibule of upper anterior region. This lesion was removed by using diode laser. The healing was uneventful and no suture, periodontal pack or analgesics were required. The histopathological report confirmed the presurgical diagnosis. The follow-up did demonstrate any relapse of the growth.

Vascular anomalies embody a myriad of blood vessels abnormalities that are thought to occur perinatally. They are broadly classified into vascular tumor or hemangioma and vascular malformation. An accurate diagnosis can be made by a detail case history, clinical presentation, ultrasonography, computerized tomography, arteriography, and histopathological examination. Due to complex nature of these vascular lesions a multidisciplinary approach is frequently necessary for their management. Herein, we present a case report of management of a vascular malformation on lower lip with diode laser. This paper also summarizes the etiopathogenesis, classification and treatment modalities of vascular malformations.

Oral submucous fibrosis is a premalignant condition which affects the submucosal layer of oral mucous membrane. Trismus is the most severe presentation of this disease which jeopardizes the nutrition status of the individual. To achieve the adequate mouth opening, the complete release of fibrotic tissue is essential. However, incising the fibrotic tissue with a conventional blade or electrocautery can cause bleeding, delayed healing, and recurrence of fibrosis. In this study, we have used diode laser for the fibrotomy with satisfactory results and disease-free follow-up of 1 year.