Er:YAG 2,940-nm laser fiber in endodontic treatment: a help in removing smear layer

Guidotti R, Merigo E, Fornaini C, Rocca J-P, Medioni E, Vescovi P.
Lasers Med Sci. 2014;29(1):69-75.

Background:

Cleaning and disinfection of the root canal system are some of the most important goals in endodontic therapy. The aim of this preliminary study is to assess the effectiveness of Er:YAG laser fiber in removing the smear layer produced during root canal walls instrumentation.

Materials and Methods:

Forty-eight single-rooted teeth were prepared with manual and rotary Ni-Ti instruments, in addition to 2.5% NaOCl irrigation. Samples were randomly subdivided into groups and treated with: three irradiations of 5 s each, with 300-μm Er:YAG endodontic fiber, 1 W and 2.5% NaOCl solution (A Group); two laser irradiations with 17% EDTA solution and 2.5% NaOCl solution (B Group); laser irradiation plus 17% EDTA solution and 2.5% NaOCl (C Group); only in the final wash of 17% EDTA (control group D). During laser treatment, temperature variations were analyzed by using thermocouple and thermal camera devices in order to test both deep and superficial temperatures. Each sample was finally observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) at the coronal, medium, and apical thirds at ×500 magnification and blindly scored depending on the amount of smear layer.

Results:

Statistical analysis of the results was conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test to determine the eventual significant differences between the quantity of smear layer in each group and between the groups at coronal, medium, and apical third: a p value

Conclusion:

The Er:YAG fiber double irradiation with EDTA 17% and NaOCl 2.5% has been demonstrated to be effective in removing smear layer, even in the apical third which is described as the hardest area to clean during endodontic treatment.

Er:YAG 2,940-nm laser fiber in endodontic treatment: a help in removing smear layer