Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the shear bond strength of the teeth prepared for bonding with different power outputs of Erbium, Chromium doped: Yttrium-Scandium- Gallium-Garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser etching and to compare different power outputs of laser etching with 37% phosphoric acid. Materials and methods: A total of 105 premolars, extracted for orthodontic purposes were randomly divided into five groups. Different methods were used in each group to prepare the tooth enamel for bonding. The methods are as follows: Etching for 15 seconds with 37% phosphoric acid; irradiation with 1.5 W/10 Hz Er,Cr:YSGG laser, 1.5 W/20 Hz, 2 W/10 Hz and 2 W/20 Hz Er,Cr:YSGG laser. After surface preparation standard edgewise stainless steel premolar brackets were bonded and was examined under scanning electron microscope. The brackets were debonded 24 hours later and shear bond strengths were measured. Results: Enamel etching with 37% phosphoric acid for 15 seconds provides a higher shearbond strength for orthodontic bonding but laser etching with 2 W/20 Hz produced a comparable level of shearbond strength to phosphoric acid etched group. While 1.5 W/20 Hz and 2 W/10 Hz produced clinically acceptable shear bond strength for orthodontic bonding and 1.5 W/10 Hz produced the least shearbond strength and not acceptable for orthodontic bonding. Statistical significance was found between the groups (p ƒ 0.01). Group 1 is the highest followed by group 5. Conclusion: Irradiation with 1.5 W/20 Hz and 2 W/10 Hz were irregular and superficial, in contrast to phosphoric acid. But etching with laser 2 W/20 Hz produced adequate bond strength and could be a viable alternative to other methods.

Aim: To overview the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) along with different types of photosensitizers and the lasers associated with them. Background: Administration of drugs for oral infections and pathologies are accompanied with a lot of limitations like lack of patient compliance, microbial resistance in the biofilm, systemic side effects, failure on the antibiotics to act on non-perfused areas, allergy and the limitation of spectrum of microorganisms affected. To overcome this, an effective and an alternative therapy needs to replace the conventional treatment. Indians since ancient past have been using the extracts of Psoralea corylifolia which contains furocoumarins, given orally, and followed by exposure to sunlight in order to treat vitiligo. Thus, PDT was investigated in the past as a promising alternative if not replacement for the conventional treatment. Clinical significance: It has been seen that various combinations of photosensitizer and lasers are effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms. Porphyrin photosensitizers and temoporfin have been used successfully in the past against premalignant and malignant intraoral lesions. They are excellent options for palliative treatment for cases refractory to conventional therapy. Phenothiazinium photosensitizers like methylene blue and toluidine blue have shown to be effective against bacterias, viruses and fungal infections. Hence, they are effective tools for the treatment of refractory periodontics and endodontic infections. Conclusion: With the revolution of lasers in the field of dentistry and oncology, a new minimally invasive and precise approach towards the pathology is being developed. However, further research needs to be done in terms of development of newer formulations and dosimetry for more consistent results free of side effects.

Lasers have been long introduced in dentistry. Today lasers are been used for Endodontics, Periodontics, Oral Surgery as well as restorative procedures. Here, we describe the effect of different wavelengths on the implant surface.

Ankyloglossia or tongue-tie refers to a minor anomaly in the attachment of the membrane or frenum that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth, which may interfere with normal function and mobility of the tongue. This article focuses on how to identify and diagnose infant ankyloglossia. Also in this article, we have discussed an instrument fabricated by the team for clear retraction and visualization of posterior ankyloglossia.

A 30-year-old female patient was reported with pain and swelling in the region of 21. On clinical examination, a swelling was found close to the cervical margin of 21. The suggested treatment plan was periapical surgery of 21. On elevation of flap there was a vertical fracture in cervical region of 21, showing poor prognosis. Extraction of 21 was done and an interdisciplinary approach was carried out with laser-assisted root canal treatment of 12. Also laser troughing in 12 and 22 regions to serve as abutments and an ovate pontic preparation in 11 and 21 regions was carried out. Lasers can be used as an adjunct and/or alternative in the management of multiple dental procedures in the esthetic zone ensuring promising dental outcome.

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a common, usually solitary, benign sessile or pedunculated vascular proliferation of the skin and mucous membranes, presenting as hemorrhagic growth, especially in children and women of reproductive age. The lesion is unrelated to infection and arises in response to various stimuli, such as low grade local irritation, traumatic injury or hormonal factors. This report presents a case of a 47 years old male with a PG in relation to lower anteriors. This lesion was removed using an Er,Cr:YSGG laser. The healing was uneventful and no suture or analgesic was required.

Dental esthetics is an important branch of dentistry which deals with the harmony of the teeth and the gingiva in relation to the face. In modern society, it defines a person's character, social acceptance, overall progress in his chosen profession and which reinforces on the social well being of a person. This emphasis has further reiterated the feeling of looking good and being selfconfident. Lasers in dentistry have paved a way for the general practitioners to easily manage the soft tissue contour and enhance the pink esthetics in relation to the teeth and the facial profile. This case report deals with the management of the gingiva in terms of the color, texture and contour, thereby enhancing the smile of a dentally compromised patient.