THE EFFECT OF GALLIUM-ARSENIDE LASER IRRADIATION ON ODONTOGENESIS

The applications of lasers in dentistry show that dental structures react differently to various types of laser. This study explores the effect of gallium-arsenate (GaAs) laser radiation on rats’ incisor teeth.A total number of 20 rats, aged 1-21 days, are divided into five groups; one control group (4 rats) and four laser groups (a total of 16 rats). Laser groups were exposed to 60 seconds of laser radiation on alternate days from day 1 till day 19. The groups were sacrificed at different ages (15, 17, 19 and 21 days old). The specimens were prepared for processing and staining with hematoxylin and eosin and examined by light microscope.The results showed that the developing teeth of laser groups exhibit uneven thickness of dentin and multiple areas of interglobular dentin whereas pulp tissue appeared to be more cellular and vascular. However, no effect of laser can be noticed on the enamel, cementum, periodontal ligament and eruption process. It is concluded that GaAs laser irradiation has a positive effect on dentin formation. Consequently, GaAs laser can be used within pulp-capping procedures.