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Effect of Nd:YAG laser irradiation on the apical leakage of obturated root canals: an electrochemical study
Author(s) -
Park D. S.,
Lee H. J.,
Yoo H. M.,
Oh T. S.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
international endodontic journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.988
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1365-2591
pISSN - 0143-2885
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2591.2001.00397.x
Subject(s) - root canal , dentistry , irradiation , materials science , laser , pulp (tooth) , medicine , optics , physics , nuclear physics
Aim The purpose of this laboratory study was to evaluate the effect of Nd:YAG laser irradiation on the apical leakage of obturated root canals using an electrochemical method. Methodology Forty extracted single‐rooted teeth were selected and the anatomic crown of each tooth was removed. The specimens were randomly divided into four groups. In group 1, the root canals were prepared with K‐files and irradiated with Nd:YAG laser (5 W, 20 Hz) via a 300 µm optical fibre. Then the root canals were obturated with laterally condensed gutta‐percha and Pulp Canal Sealer EWT. In group 2, the root canals were treated with the same method as those of group 1 but without laser irradiation. In group 3, the root canals were prepared with ProFiles, laser irradiated and then obturated with vertically condensed gutta‐percha and Pulp Canal Sealer EWT. In group 4, the root canals were treated with the same method as those of group 3 but without laser irradiation. The electric resistance between standard and experimental electrodes in the canals was measured over a period of 10 days. Results At 2 h, groups 1 and 3 irradiated with laser had significantly less apical leakage than group 2 ( P < 0.05). After 10 days, group 4 had the highest leakage, followed by groups 2, 1 and 3; the differences between the groups was statistically significant ( P < 0.05). Conclusions Laser irradiation following root canal preparation reduced apical leakage following root canal obturation.