Beschreibung:
<jats:p><jats:bold>Background:</jats:bold> The aim of the present study was to observe in vivo the effects of two different power settings of an Er:YAG laser on pockets of periodontally involved root surfaces using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).</jats:p><jats:p><jats:bold>Methods:</jats:bold> Thirty‐two teeth with severe periodontal disease scheduled for extraction were divided into three groups: group A was irradiated with an energy of 140 mJ, 10 Hz; group B with 160 mJ 10 Hz; group C was used as controls. Morphological changes on the treated root surfaces were evaluated using SEM observations to assess laser‐induced ultrastructural changes.</jats:p><jats:p><jats:bold>Results:</jats:bold> All surfaces treated in both groups showed a homogeneous and smooth root surface morphology. The surface alterations were very similar with both energy values used.</jats:p><jats:p><jats:bold>Conclusion:</jats:bold> Er:YAG laser irradiation performed with two different power settings of root surfaces in vivo showed at the SEM observation a complete absence of debris and smooth root surfaces. <jats:italic>J Periodontol 2005;76:1386‐1390</jats:italic>.</jats:p>