Effects of Diode Laser Alone and in Combination with Indocyanine Green and Graphite Paste on Dentinal Tubule Occlusion: SEM Analysis

Aim: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of Diode Laser alone and in Combination with Indocyanine green at three different concentrations and graphite paste on Dentinal Tubule Occlusion and treatment of Dentin Hypersensitivity. Methods: 35 extracted human molars were divided into 7 groups of negative and positive control, 810 nm diode laser irradiation, 810nm diode laser with Indocyanine green (0.5, 1 and 2mg/ml) and 810nm diode laser with graphite paste. Dentinal tubules were evaluated under a scanning electron microscope at x2000 magnification. Statistical analysis-Two-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD Post hoc Test were used statistical analysis. Results: The highest mean percentage of the obstruction of dentinal tubules was noted in the diode laser/Indocyanine green 2mg/ml (64.786 ? 1.897%) while the lowest value was noted in the diode laser group (46.448 ? 2.316%). This mean difference among the 5 study groups was statistically significant at Pless than0.001. However, no significant difference was noted between diode laser/ICG 1mg/ml & diode laser/graphite paste [P=0.97] and also between diode laser and diode laser/ICG 0.5mg/ml [P=1.00]. Conclusion: Indocyanine green increases the tubular occlusion caused by diode lasers. The effect is concentration-dependent. Graphite paste showed results similar to the 1mg/ml ICG group.