Thermal effects of the Er:YAG laser on a simulated dental pulp: a quantitative evaluation of the effects of a water spray

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the temperature increments in a simulated dental pulp following irradiation with an Er:YAG laser, and to compare those increments when the laser is applied with and without water spray. METHODS: Two cavities were prepared on either the buccal or lingual aspect of sound extracted teeth using the laser. One cavity was prepared with water spray, the other without and the order of preparation randomised. Identical preparation parameters were used for both cavities. Temperature increments were measured in the pulp chamber using a calibrated thermocouple and a novel pulp simulant. RESULTS: Maximum increments were 4.0 degrees C (water) and 24.7 degrees C (no water). Water was shown to be highly significant in reducing the overall temperature increments in all cases (p