title: Laser root canal therapy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In January 2002, the Food and Drug Administration approved the Er,Cr, YSGG laser for complete endodontic therapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  The author presents a case of a 45-year-old male requiring interceptive endodontic therapy of tooth #21 for the fabrication of an overdenture. The YSGG laser was used for access, debridement, and shaping of the canal.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The YSGG laser is the first-ever approved by the FDA for complete endodontic therapy. Laser therapy may provide clinical improvements in pain control and disinfection during endodontic therapy.
authors.forename: William H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D002857:Chromium; D003481:Cuspid; D018795:Device Approval; D004871:Erbium; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration
chemical_list: D002857:Chromium; D004871:Erbium