Histologic changes of pulpal tissue after laser-aided ceramic bracket debonding

Kim, Yu Jeong; Lim, Sung Hoon; Yoon, Young Joo; Park, Joo Cheol; Kim, Kwang Won

Abstract

Laser-aided debonding has advantages in that the heat produced is localized and controlled, the debonding tool is not heated, and it can be used for the removal of various types of ceramic brackets, regardless of their design. However, the range of safe power usage for laser-aided debonding has not yet been confirmed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histologic changes of pulpal tissue in a rabbit's incisor after Nd-YAG laser-aided ceramic bracket debonding at different levels of power. The result were as follows: 1. At 3-5W Nd-YAG laser power level and 3 seconds of exposure time, the ceramic bracket debonding procedure was not easy. At 5W of power a tie-wing fracture occurred on one bracket during debonding using Weingart plier. The histologic section of pulp represented no adverse changes. 2. At 7-13 W power level and less than 5 seconds of exposure time, the debracketing procedure was done easily and bracket facture did not occur. The histologic section of pulp represented mild and reversible changes. All the results were reversible and no pulpal degeneration or necrosis occurred. Considering the results, it appears that the laser-aided debonding technique is a safe method that does not result in irreversible pulpal changes, softens bracket bonding resin within a safe range of power and exposure time, and is useful for ceramic bracket recycling by lowering the tie- wing fracture rate.