title: Cleaning of the root canal using Nd:YAP laser and its effect on the mineral content of the dentin.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of root canal cleanliness with and without Nd:YAP laser and to assess the effect of the laser on the mineral content of the dentin.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  A high degree of cleanliness of the canal when using the Nd:YAG laser has been shown while the laser is in contact with the canal wall. A new Nd:YAP laser has been studied recently, which is considered to be superior to the Nd:YAG with regard to antibactericidal ability due to its 1.34 micro m wavelength, which is in the infra-red range. This wavelength is absorbed better in water than that of Nd:YAG.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourteen extracted single rooted premplars were divided into two groups. In group 1, canals were cleaned, instrumented, and shaped with K files. In group 2, initial preparation was done using K files and completed with a Nd:YAP laser. Teeth were then split longitudinally and submitted to scanning electron microscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The cleanliness of the laser-treated teeth was significantly greater than teeth treated with K files alone (p < 0.05). No difference in Ca and P content was detected when the use of K files was compared to the use of laser.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It appears that the Nd:YAP laser improves the cleanliness of the root canal. However, since the Nd:YAP laser serves as an addition to K files, its clinical value for replacing conventional root canal instrumentation remains to be determined.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endodontics, Hebrew University Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel. moshon@cc.huji.ac.il
authors.forename: Joshua
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Moshonov
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Peretz
authors.forename: Tal
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Ilan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Rotstein
mesh_terms: D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis*; D003804:Dentin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000032:analysis*; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000379:methods*; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D010758:Phosphorus; D002118:Calcium