Preliminary Investigation of the Histopathologic Reaction of Pulpal Tissue from Nd:YAG Laser Treatment on Enamel of Dog Teeth

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the biologic effects on the pulpal tissue in dogs from Nd:YAG laser treatment on enamel. Twelve vital teeth of 2 mongrel dogs were randomly selected to receive Nd:YAG laser treatment on enamel surface. The Nd:YAG laser was irradiated on the buccal surface enamel on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th, right or left, maxillary premolars. The pulps were evaluated histologically at 1, 15, and 30 days after laser exposure on enamel. The remaining maxillary teeth remained as controls. The results of this study revealed laser treatment causes an acute hemolytic response of the pulp 1 day after treatment. At 15 and 30 days posttreatment, the pulp tissue returned to normal morphology with no evidence of pathology or devitalization of the treated teeth.