Cleaning of the root canal using Nd:YAP laser and its effect on the mineral content of the dentin.
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.
Moshonov
Joshua
J
Department of Endodontics, Hebrew University Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel. moshon@cc.huji.ac.il
Peretz
Benjamin
B
Brown
Tal
T
Rotstein
Ilan
I
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
D010758:Phosphorus; D002118:Calcium