title: Cleaning and shaping the root canal with an Nd: YAG laser beam: A comparative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of an experimental Nd:YAG laser fiberoptic delivery system compared with conventional methods for its ability to cleanse and shape the root canal space in vitro.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-two teeth were divided into two groups. In the first group, the canals were instrumented with k files, in the second the initial preparation was done with a K file and completed with a laser beam.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Scanning electron microscopic evaluations showed that preparation with a laser beam is possible and results in an improvement in the cleanliness of the canal walls when compared with conventional techniques.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Root canal preparation using Nd:YAG laser results in cleaner dentin walls when compared to conventional methods.
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, K.L.E's Institute of Dental Sciences, Bangalore - 560 022, India.
authors.forename: Prashant P
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Moogi
authors.forename: R Nageshwar
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Rao