Article

Prevention of third molar tooth development in neonate rat with a long pulse diode laser†

  1. Anthony R. Silvestri Jr. DMD1,*,
  2. Mirko G. Mirkov PhD2,
  3. Raymond J. Connolly PhD3

Article first published online: 20 DEC 2004

DOI: 10.1002/lsm.20093

Issue

Lasers in Surgery and Medicine

Lasers in Surgery and Medicine

Volume 35, Issue 5, pages 385–391, December 2004

Additional Information

How to Cite

Silvestri, A. R., Mirkov, M. G. and Connolly, R. J. (2004), Prevention of third molar tooth development in neonate rat with a long pulse diode laser. Lasers Surg. Med., 35: 385–391. doi: 10.1002/lsm.20093

Author Information

  1. 1

    Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111

  2. 2

    Cynosure, Inc., Chelmsford, Massachusetts 01824

  3. 3

    Tufts New England Medical Center Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02111

*Clinical Professor, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, 1 Kneeland Street, Boston, MA 02111.

  1. †

    M.G.M. has disclosed a potential financial conflict of interest with this study.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 20 DEC 2004
  2. Article first published online: 20 DEC 2004
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 20 JUL 2004

Funded by

  • Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute

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Keywords:

  • damage;
  • heating;
  • mucosa;
  • oral;
  • selective;
  • teeth;
  • tissue;
  • thermal;
  • wisdom

Abstract

Background and Objectives

Third molars (wisdom teeth) in humans have limited functional value and cause a high frequency of morbidity. A window of opportunity exists to stop their development. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a long pulse diode laser can selectively prevent third molar development in a rat animal model.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

The study calculated theoretical diode laser parameters and irradiated 2- to 4-day-old rat pups in the posterior aspects of the oral cavity near the time of tooth bud initiation. Rats were sacrificed at 35–50 days and examined intraorally and radiographically for third molar development. Control and treated sides were compared histologically.

Results

Nearly half of the maxillary third molars and 80% of the mandibular third molars were selectively prevented from developing using a 20 W diode laser with infrequent, minor adverse effects on maxillary jaw growth.

Conclusions

This study confirms the hypothesis that controlled, non-invasive laser treatment delivered on the surface of the oral mucosa near the site of tooth bud formation can selectively achieve third molar agenesis. It also offers hope that further innovative studies may bring about a safe, non-invasive laser treatment to selectively prevent third molar development in humans. Lasers Surg. Med. 35:385–391, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

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