In vitro study of the variable square pulse Er:YAG laser cutting efficacy for apicectomy

Background and Objectives Variable square pulse (VSP) Er:YAG laser should be quicker than older Er:YAG lasers. The objectives were: (1) comparison of VSP laser and mechanical handpiece efficacy for apicectomy and (2) determination of optimal pulse width/energy/frequency combination. Study Design/Materials and Methods Sixty extracted, single‐rooted mature human teeth with round apical parts were instrumented, root filled, cleaned, and divided into four groups. Apical 2 mm of each root were apicectomized with mechanical handpiece and Er:YAG laser with three different settings (LaserA = 200 mJ/300 microseconds/ 8 Hz; LaserB = 200 mJ/100 microseconds/8 Hz; LaserC = 380 mJ/100 microseconds/20 Hz). Timing results were statistically compared. Results LaserC was the most efficient setting. Differences between groups were significant except between LaserC–Mechanical and LaserA–LaserC ( P  < 0.05). Conclusions VSP Er:YAG laser used for apicectomy is slower by a factor of 7–31 than mechanical handpiece, but treatment outcome is acceptable. Optimal settings for apicectomy with VSP laser are 380 mJ/100 microseconds/20 Hz. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.