Cleaning of the root canal using Nd:YAP laser and its effect on the mineral content of the dentin.
OBJECTIVE
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 Nd:YAG laser has been shown while the laser had been in contact with the canal wall. A new Nd:YAP laser has been studied recently, which is considered to be superior to Nd:YAG with regard to antibactericidal ability due to its 1.34-mu wavelength, which is in the infra red range. This wavelength is absorbed better in water 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 SEM.


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 Nd:YAP laser improves the cleanliness of the root canal. However, since 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