Beschreibung:
<jats:p><jats:bold>Background:</jats:bold> The aim of the present study was to observe the effects of an erbium‐doped:yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (Er:YAG) laser when used to treat periodontally involved root surfaces.</jats:p><jats:p><jats:bold>Methods:</jats:bold> Forty teeth affected by severe periodontal disease and scheduled for extraction were divided into two groups: in group A (control), 20 teeth were treated by hand instrumentation, and in group B (test), 20 teeth were treated by Er:YAG laser.</jats:p><jats:p><jats:bold>Results:</jats:bold> In group A (teeth treated by curets), the root cementum layer was completely removed, but many deep scratches on the dentin layer were also observed. In group B, the laser‐treated root surfaces, there was no cracking or carbonization, and the bacterial flora was completely eliminated, leaving a rough and uniform surface.</jats:p><jats:p><jats:bold>Conclusion:</jats:bold> Results of the present study showed that clinical use of an Er:YAG laser in vivo achieves plaque and calculus removal, providing a rough surface morphology.</jats:p>