Effects of Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers on the sealing of root canal fillings.
OBJECTIVE
The ability of the laser irradiation to promote the cleaning and disinfection of the radicular canal system has become this type of treatment in a viable and real alternative in endodontics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the apical marginal sealing of root canal fillings after the irradiation with the laser of Nd:YAG or of Er:YAG.


METHODS
Forty-two human, extracted single-rooted teeth had their crowns sectioned and the root canals prepared with a no. 70 K-file. Then, they were dried and divided into three groups according to canal wall treatment: group 1: the canals were filled with EDTA for 3 min, followed by irrigation with 1% sodium hypochlorite solution; group 2: the canal walls were irradiated with Nd:YAG laser; and group 3: the canal walls were irradiated with Er:YAG laser. Afterwards, the root canals were obturated by the lateral condensation technique. The roots were externally waterproof, except in the apical foramen and immersed in 2% methylene blue aqueous solution during 48 hours.


RESULTS
The results showed that the largest infiltrations happened in the group 3-Er:YAG (7.3 mm), proceeded by the group 1-EDTA (1.6 mm) and by the group 2-Nd:YAG (0.6 mm). The group Er:YAG differed statistically of the others (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
It was concluded that the Er:YAG laser intracanal irradiation previously to the root canal filling must be used with caution until future research is define the best parameters for it's use.
Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Paulista State University-UNESP, São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil. mcvalera@iconet.com.br
Cláudio Antonio Talge
CA
Carvalho
Marcia Carneiro
MC
Valera
Sheila
S
Gown-Soares
Carlos
C
de Paula Eduardo
D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007834:Lasers; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D012389:Root Canal Obturation / Q000379:methods*; D018915:Root Canal Preparation
D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials