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The Er:YAG laser in endodontics: Results of an in vitro study
Author(s) -
Schoop Ulrich,
Moritz Andreas,
Kluger Wolf,
Patruta Sanda,
Goharkhay Kawe,
Sperr Wolfgang,
Wernisch Johann,
Gattringer Rainer,
Mrass Paulus,
Georgopoulos Apostolos
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.10054
Subject(s) - er:yag laser , root canal , endodontics , laser , irradiation , dentistry , materials science , scanning electron microscope , in vivo , biomedical engineering , optics , medicine , composite material , biology , physics , microbiology and biotechnology , nuclear physics
Background and Objective Until recently, the main field of Er:YAG laser application was the removal of dental hard substances within the scope of cavity preparation. Nowadays, several new delivery‐systems are available, permitting the application of the Er:YAG laser in endodontics. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of Er:YAG laser irradiation on root canals in vitro. Study Design/Materials and Methods For this purpose, 220 extracted human teeth were endodontically processed and subsequently irradiated at different settings using an Er:YAG laser imitating in vivo irradiation procedures. The teeth were then subdivided into three groups and subjected to bacteriological evaluations, scanning electron microscopy, and temperature measurements. Results The bacteriological evaluation revealed a decisive bactericidal effect of the Er:YAG laser in the root canal. The bactericidal effect was dependent on the applied output power and specific for the different species of bacteria investigated. Scanning electron microscopy showed discrete removal of dentine from the root canal walls. The temperature rise during irradiation was moderate when standardized power settings were used. Conclusion The investigations indicate that the Er:YAG laser is a suitable tool for the elimination of bacteria in root canals under in vitro conditions. Lasers Surg. Med. 30:360–364, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.