The possibility of dowel removal by pulsed Nd:YAG laser irradiation.
OBJECTIVE
Nd:YAG laser is one of the popularly used laser, in dentistry for treatment and technologic processing. Removal of dowel from root canal is very troublesome at endodontic retreatment. This study aimed to examine the possibility and efficiency of dowel removal from the root canal using the Nd:YAG laser in vitro.


METHODS
Irradiation time and energies required for complete removal of the dowel set in the root canal using the laser were measured. The dowel ablation was observed by contact microradiographs (CMRs). The surface of the root canal after lasing was observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM).


RESULTS
A significant difference existed in irradiation times and energies to remove dowels among various combinations of metal and cement (P < 0.05). The CMRs showed that both dowel and dentin were ablated, and the SEM observation demonstrated that root canal surface was melted.


CONCLUSIONS
The Nd:YAG laser irradiation could remove set dowels from the root canal.
D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D020878:Device Removal / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011176:Post and Core Technique; D011859:Radiography; D013997:Time Factors