Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare disinfection of deciduous root canal by conventional chemomechanical debridement (CMD) with sodium hypochlorite (0.5%) vs laserassisted photodynamic therapy (PDT). Materials and methods: Twelve children aged 4 to 7 years with informed consent from their parents were studied. Access cavities were prepared and culture samples were taken before the commencement of the therapy, after CMD using 0.5% sodium hypochlorite and after laser-assisted PDT using methylene blue (MB) dye. Samples were taken by placing a sterile paper cone into the canals and transferring them into brain heart infusion broth. The samples were then subjected for microbiological processing so as to count the total number of viable bacteria. Results: Laser-treated canals showed a reduction in bacterial load by 99.99% as against 83.9% obtained after the use of conventional CMD with sodium hypochlorite. Conclusion: Laser-assisted PDT can be used as an excellent adjunct to CMD to obtain near perfect disinfection of deciduous root canals.

Soon after the discovery of lasers in the 1960s it was realized that laser therapy had the potential to improve wound healing and reduce pain, inflammation and swelling. Today, dentists have a variety of wavelengths to choose from the growing industry of lasers. Also, the field has broadened to include light-emitting diodes and other light sources, and the range of wavelengths used now includes many in the red and near infrared. Each wavelength has a unique interaction with the target tissues of the oral cavity. Laser dentistry, formerly embraced only by the speciality of oral and maxillofacial surgery, now, is positively affecting every field of dentistry. From pediatric and operative dentistry to periodontics, prosthetics to cosmetics and implantology, lasers have made a tremendous impact on the delivery of dental care in the 21st century and will continue to do so as the technology continues to improve and evolve. As low level lasers are more biocompatible than hard lasers, they are evolving rapidly. This article discusses low level laser therapy technology, its dosage, their application in every field of dentistry and risks associated with them, so that they can be used in delivery of superior dental care.

When the teeth do not erupt at the expected time, it is crucial for the clinician to determine the etiology and formulate an appropriate treatment plan. This case series describes the use of diode lasers in guiding the eruption of unerupted central incisor into occlusion during the mixed dentition stage. Traditional methods of removing fibrotic gingiva overlying unerupted teeth using scalpels or electrosurgery may produce postoperative discomfort and prolonged healing. Lasers provide a simple and safe alternative for children while at the same time reducing the chances of infection, swelling, discomfort, and scaring, besides fear and anxiety, common symptoms related to this specific group in surgical procedures.

Peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) is a non-neoplastic growth on the gingiva thought to arise from the periodontal ligament. Histopathologic analysis always reveals immature bone and osteoid within the lesion. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice. This report comprises of two cases of POFs which were removed using an Er,Cr:YSGG laser. Two patients of age 36 and 25 years reported with the growths which were causing constant irritation as well as esthetic problem. Lesions were removed using an Er,Cr:YSGG laser. The healing was uneventful and no suture or analgesic was required. The histopathological report confirmed them as POF. No relapse was observed till 1 year after surgery. Therefore with this laser, there is relatively bloodless and painless surgery and in postsurgical course there is minimal swelling and scarring so patient's compliance is much better with this laser as compared to other techniques and lasers.

Pyogenic granuloma was first described in 1897 by two French surgeons, Poncet and Dor, who named this lesion botryomycosis hominis. Pyogenic granulomas and hemangiomas of the oral cavity are well-known benign lesions. Although, pyogenic granuloma is known to show a striking predilection for the gingiva and capillary hemangioma for lips, cheek and tongue, palatal occurrence of these lesions is extremely rare. The clinical diagnosis of such an uncommon occurrence can be quite challenging, as they sometimes may mimic more serious lesions such as malignancies. The purpose of this article is to report an unusual case of benign tumor occurring on hard palate, which was clinically diagnosed as pyogenic granuloma and histopathologically as capillary hemangioma. The treatment options available are conventional surgical excision; electrocautery and lasers—erbium or diode. This article highlights the use of 940 nm diode laser in surgical excision of oral pyogenic granuloma enumerating its advantages over the conventional available treatment options.

Several studies investigating the Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) have shown their potential to increase healing, stimulate dentinogenesis and preserve vitality of the dental pulp. The aim of this case report is to show two clinical cases of pulpotomy with LLLT in the mandibular primary molars followed by calcium hydroxide at 6, 12 and 18 months clinical and radiographic follow-up. The clinical and radiographic examination of the pulpotomized teeth and their periradicular area revealed that the treatments were successful in maintaining the teeth asymptomatic and preserving pulpal vitality. LLLT may be considered as an effective alternative for primary teeth. Although our results are encouraging, further studies and longer followup assessments are needed in order to determine the clinical indication of LLLT.