Med Lasers.  2021 Dec;10(4):214-219. 10.25289/ML.2021.10.4.214.

Near-infrared Laser Energy Transmission through Teeth with Crack Lines: An In-vitro Study

• Sapra A
• Darbar A
• George R

• KMID: 2533533
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.25289/ML.2021.10.4.214

Abstract

Background and Objectives
To evaluate the difference in near-infrared (810 nm) laser energy transmission through teeth with and without cracks.
Materials and Methods
Extracted teeth were sectioned and examined visually for the presence of cracks with the aid of photographs and a trans-illuminator. Fourteen sections, each with cracks (Group A) and no cracks (Group B) were identified and placed 15 mm from the tip of a 300 micron fiber, prior to activation with an 810 nm diode laser (0.1W, 50 ms interval,100 ms duration). A power meter positioned behind the tooth recorded the average energy that was transmitted through the samples. Unpaired t-test analysis was used to determine if the tooth sections with cracks allowed higher power passage compared to sound teeth.
Results
The mean power recording for the cracked teeth (Group A) was significantly greater (p = 0.0005) than that for the non-cracked teeth (Group B).
Conclusion
Within the limitations of this study, it is evident that significantly higher laser energy passes through teeth with cracks in comparison to teeth without cracks. A recent clinical study has also shown that lasers could be used to assess symptomatic cracked teeth. Hence, further research is required to determine the relative increase in energy required to identify symptomatic cracked teeth.

Keyword

Cracked teeth; Near-infrared lasers; Endodontics; Diagnosis; Laser transmission