The Er:YAG laser in endodontics: results of an in vitro study.
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.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
The investigations indicate that the Er:YAG laser is a suitable tool for the elimination of bacteria in root canals under in vitro conditions.
Department of Conservative Dentistry, Dental School, University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Währinger Strasse 25a, Austria. curd.schoop@univie.ac.at
Ulrich
U
Schoop
Andreas
A
Moritz
Wolf
W
Kluger
Sanda
S
Patruta
Kawe
K
Goharkhay
Wolfgang
W
Sperr
Johann
J
Wernisch
Rainer
R
Gattringer
Paulus
P
Mrass
Apostolos
A
Georgopoulos
D001419:Bacteria / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007834:Lasers; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013499:Surface Properties; D013696:Temperature