The purpose of this study was to examine the ability of the Erbium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Er:YAG) laser to remove remnants of provisional cement. Thirty caries-free human third molars were prepared for cementation with disk-shaped provisional restoration material. Specimens were randomly distributed among six groups, and provisional cement was removed with a dental explorer (G1), pumice (G2), rotary instrument (G3), or Er:YAG laser irradiation at one of three different settings [200 mJ and 15 Hz (G4), 200 mJ and 20 Hz (G5), and 150 mJ and 15 Hz (G6)] until the dentin surface was macroscopically clean. Electron micrographs were obtained and scored, and results were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey's post hoc tests (p < 0.05). The results suggest that the Er:YAG laser can be used to clean the remnants of provisional cement. Laser application was found to be effective in the removal of provisional cement remnants, whereas the use of an explorer alone was found to be the least effective method tested. To prevent the contamination of luting cements with provisional cement remnants Er:YAG laser can be an alternative method to conventional methods.

Hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors of the endothelial cells and characterized by increased number of normal or abnormal vessels filled with blood. Most true hemangiomas involute with time, but a certain small percentage does not, which may present with complications that require treatment. An estimated 10 to 20% of the true hemangiomas incompletely involute and require ablative treatment. Hemangiomas are probably one of the most underestimated and misunderstood vascular tumors and it is every diagnostician and clinician's imperative to have a sound knowledge of these tumors to thus provide successful treatment to the patients. Conventional surgical excision of hemangioma can cause severe bleeding in the operative site, which on the other hand can be well controlled by the coagulative effect of the CO₂ laser, by virtue of a painless vaporization of the tissue. The purpose of this case study is to understand hemangiomas and the importance and efficacy of the minimally invasive, hemostatic effect of a CO₂ and little postoperative scarring and morbidity in comparison to the conventional surgical techniques.

Melanin pigmentation of the gingiva is a common occurrence. Depending on the gingival display during smiling, corrective measures may be needed for an esthetic purpose. Diode laser is a minimally invasive treatment option for the treatment of gingival melanin pigmentation. Three case reports of gingival depigmentation procedure performed using a 980 nm diode laser are presented here.

Background: Peripheral giant cell granuloma is a benign reactive lesion of the oral cavity, originating from the periosteum or periodontal membrane in response to local irritation or chronic trauma. It may develop at any age but is frequently seen in the fifth to sixth decade and shows female predilection. Materials and methods: Various techniques ranging from conventional scalpel to electric scalpel and cryosurgery have been used for the excision of this lesion. This article describes a case reporting the successful use of Er,Cr:YSGG laser for complete excision of the lesion with minimal discomfort to the patient. Results: Immediate coagulation was achieved without any use of sutures and excellent wound healing was observed after 1 week. Conclusion: The benefits offered by the use of this laser excision technique indicates that it should be considered as an efficient tool for similar soft tissue lesions in the oral cavity.

Gingival hyperpigmentation is a major esthetic concern for many people. Though it is not a medical problem, many people complain of dark gums as unesthetic. Gingival depigmentation is a periodontal plastic surgical procedure, whereby the hyperpigmentation is removed or reduced by various techniques. For depigmentation of gingiva, different treatment modalities have been reported, such as scalpel, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, lasers, etc. This article compares management of two cases with scalpel and laser and also highlights the relevance of lasers.

A mucous cyst (mucocele, mucous retention cyst, ranula, epulis) is a painless, thin sac on the inner surface of the lips. It contains clear fluid. They are painless but can be bothersome. The cysts are thought to be caused because of sucking of the lip membranes between the teeth. Mucous cysts are common and harmless. However, if left untreated, they can organize and form a permanent bump on the inner surface of the lip. They are called ranula when on the floor of the mouth, and epulis when on the gums. The sac may be formed around the jewellery (piercings) that have been inserted into the lips or tongue. This article highlights the use of lasers in the treatment of excision of mucocele.