An Er,Cr:YSGG laser is used within the sulcus at 1 W, 20 Hz, 10% water, 20% air to approximate 65 degrees C. At these parameters, what would be expected?

Using an Er,Cr:YSGG laser at the specified parameters—1 W, 20 Hz, 10% water, and 20% air—produces a specific thermal effect. At around 65 degrees Celsius, the primary impact is tissue welding, which occurs through a process called coagulation or hemostasis. This temperature is sufficient to cause the proteins within the tissue to change structure without fully vaporizing the tissue or causing significant carbonization.

When the laser energy is applied under these conditions, it leads to a softening and fusing of the surrounding tissues, effectively "welding" them together. This is particularly beneficial in surgical procedures where you want to achieve hemostasis, or stop bleeding, and close tissue without excessive cutting or damaging surrounding structures.

While vaporization and carbonization are associated with higher temperatures, the parameters provided suggest that the thermal effect is more controlled and conducive to welding rather than destructive processes like those. Protein denaturation could occur at this temperature as well, but the more significant and expected outcome in this context is tissue welding due to the heating effect.

Overall, the laser settings allow for precise control over the thermal effects on the tissue, highlighting the effectiveness of laser technology in surgical applications, particularly in terms of