The effect of Nd:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers on the microhardness of human dentin

The current investigation determined the microhardness of dentin tissue irradiated with erbium, chromium-doped yttrium scandium gallium garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) and neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers. Thirty non-carious human molars were used in this study. Dentin disks were prepared by horizontal sectioning of one third of the occlusal surface. Halves of dentin specimens were irradiated with 3.5- and 4.5-W Er,Cr:YSGG lasers and with a 2-W Nd:YAG laser. The remaining halves served as controls. The microhardness measurements were recorded with a Vickers surface microhardness tester. The results were statistically evaluated by paired t test and one-way ANOVA (p = 0.05). Laser irradiation has significantly reduced the microhardness of dentin within each group compared to its control. Moreover, statistically significant differences were observed among the different groups (p < 0.05). The 3.5-W Er,Cr:YSGG laser produced the greatest reduction in microhardness of dentin followed by 4.5 W and Nd:YAG laser. The differences between all the groups were statistically significant. It was concluded that both laser devices used in this study have resulted in significant thermal damage and subsequent reduction in dentin microhardness values

’Educating the educated’: a report of an undergraduate medical student with multiple carious lesions and poor dietary habits

Abstract: It is evident in the undergraduate dental curriculum that competent dental students are expected to have a broad knowledge of the intricacies of the human body and its relationship with the oral cavity, but the same cannot be guaranteed for medical students. This case report of a medical undergraduate student who presented with multiple carious lesions and a poor knowledge of the impact of her habits on her oral heath illustrates the importance of using a well-formulated and holistic treatment plan with a focus on oral health promotion and education. The review appointment proved promising with an improved plaque score and dietary analysis. This article provides a brief introduction to the topics and discusses potential future developments that aim to reduce the subjectivity in the analysis process and simplify presentation of evidence to non-dental parties. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This case re-iterates the need to encompass education and prevention to stabilize and prevent dental caries and teach other future healthcare professionals so that they can utilize and consider this knowledge in the management of their own patients. Moreover, it demonstrates that there may be scope for raising dental awareness and education within the medical profession