Aim: To compare the microhardness and microstructural changes induced in pits and fissure following a fissurotomy procedure using three different light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (LASER) systems. Materials and Methods: Thirty caries free premolars, extracted atraumatically for orthodontic treatment were included in the study. Using a diamond low-speed disc, enamel blocks containing the pits and fissure were cut from the tooth and divided into three groups containing 10 samples in each (G1 - diode, G2 - carbon dioxide [CO ₂ ], and G3 - erbium). The enamel blocks were mounted using self-cure acrylic resin and irradiated using the three LASER systems at lower energy densities. Post irradiation, the microhardness of enamel in the pit and fissure region was measured using Vickers microhardness test. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was done to check the microstructural changes of the lased enamel. Data obtained were subjected to Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and ANOVA with statistical significance set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: All three groups showed an increase in microhardness when compared to the value taken as control (control - 209.6, diode - 237.56 ± 19.27, CO ₂ -294.92 ± 29.38, erbium - 264.39 ± 11.83). ANOVA test revealed a highly significant (P = 0.001) difference between the means of the three groups. Tukey post-hoc analysis showed that CO ₂ LASER showed a higher increase in microhardness followed by erbium and diode LASER. Conclusion: This study revealed that the increase in microhardness and microstructural changes obtained with CO ₂ LASER was higher than the other two LASER systems. Furthermore, diode LASER can be used as a viable option for fissurotomy procedure as it improves the hardness of enamel, with a homogenous sealing effect of the pits and fissure.

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Background: Various surgical techniques can be done for depigmentation but recurrence is the limiting factor for many surgical procedures, and the aim of the present study was to evaluate quantitatively the rate of repigmentation postoperatively after using scalpel and diode lasers for depigmentation. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 systemically healthy patients of 18 males and two females, within the age group of 18-40 years with an esthetic complaint of hyperpigmented gingiva were enrolled in this study. The patients were briefed about the surgical procedure and obtained the informed consent; they were randomly divided into two groups. Group A: 10 patients - depigmentation with scalpel technique. Group B: 10 patients - depigmentation with diode lasers (Biolase^; ) and followed for 6 months. Results: The results of this study had shown that there is a statistically significant difference in the pre- and post-operative values in scalpel surgical technique with a (P = 0.005), and there is no statistically significant (P = 0.20) difference in the diode laser technique. Statistical Analysis Used: Wilcoxon Signed rank test and Mann-Whitney test. Conclusion: By using diode lasers, the rate of repigmentation is higher than scalpel method; however, it has been documented that there is minimal postoperative bleeding, pain, wound healing, discomfort, and ease of the procedure with diode laser and finally, each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages.

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Fibrous hyperplasia is a nonneoplastic lesion of fibrous connective tissue origin considered to be a histologic variant of fibroma that causes esthetic and functional problems. The choice of treatment should always be founded on basic principles of pathology and sound surgical judgment. Diode lasers have several distinct advantages over other therapy, as they provide a bloodless field and also allow histological examination without distortion, resulting in a painless postoperative period and no collateral damage to adjacent tissues. This article present two cases of fibrous hyperplasia occurring on gingiva and labial mucosa in the second decade of life, treated by diode laser therapy with 1 year follow-up and no recurrence.

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Periodontics deals with surgeries of the gingiva and soft tissues in the vicinity of teeth. In Periodontics, the amount of gingiva is a critical factor in maintaining the health of periodontium. A very minimal loss of gingiva can at times produce esthetic problems or can be difficult to maintain for the patient. So any periodontal surgical procedure should be directed towards minimal loss of soft tissues. Periodontal procedures conducted with scalpel cause pain, post operative edema, scaring and would lead to soft tissue loss postoperatively. Hence, a tool which can efficiently conduct periodontal surgeries with minimal loss of soft tissue is required. In this facet, a soft tissue diode laser is the most appropriate tool. It can be very conveniently used for frenectomy, gingivectomy, vestibuloplasty, epulis excision, gingival depigmentation and second stage implant surgery. This article emphasizes that a diode laser is a suitable instrument for oral soft tissue surgeries.

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A 30-year old female patient had reported with compromised aesthetics in the region of 21. On clinical examination, it was observed that the tooth (21) was discolored and supra-erupted. Also, the gingival margin level was severely affected. On radiographic examination it was found that the tooth was endodontically treated before. Laser gingivectomy was carried out to maintain the level and flow of gingival margin, and a metal free zirconia crown was given resulting highly promising dental outcome.

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The use of lasers in periodontal treatment has been well documented over the past 10 years. Lasers can be used for initial periodontal therapy and surgical procedures. When used in deep periodontal pockets with associated bony defects, the laser not only removes the diseased granulation tissue and associated bacteria but also it promotes osteoclast and osteoblast activity, often resulting in bone regrowth. Laser is effectively used to perform gingivectomies, gingivoplasties, free gingival graft procedures, crown lengthening, operculectomy, pocket disinfection, and many more. Gingival depigmentation using laser ablation has been recognized as an effective, pleasant, and reliable technique. In terms of esthetic dentistry, the use of the Erbium laser in crown lengthening in the anterior has created an entirely new dimension in smile design.

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