Histopathological findings of an exposed human pulp carbonised by CO 2 laser irradiation: A case report.

This report shows the healing process of an exposed pulp carbonised by CO2 laser irradiation prior to the application of a capping material. Six intact teeth from four volunteers were irradiated by CO2 laser and randomly capped with either an adhesive resin (SE bond) (n = 3) or calcium hydroxide-based cement (Dycal) (n = 3). The laser was operated in super-pulsed mode (power output, 0.5 W) for an irradiation time of 30 s. All cavities were restored with composite resin. Each tooth was extracted at approximately 30, 50 or 260 days post treatment and prepared for histological evaluation. CO2 laser irradiation controlled exudate and bleeding from each exposed pulp. Histological images revealed Dycal promoted complete dentine bridge formation at the carbonised pulp surface, and laser energy affected not only the pulp surface but also the deeper part of the pulp chamber.