title: Visualization of removal of trapped air from the apical region in simulated root canals by laser-activated irrigation using an Er,Cr:YSGG laser.
abstract: The aim of this visualization study was to obtain a better understanding of the mechanism by which trapped air is removed from the apical region of simulated root canals by activation of an irrigant using an erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser during endodontic procedures. A high-speed imaging system with high temporal and spatial resolution was used to visualize laser-induced shock waves in a resin block model with a curved root canal (inner diameter at the apex 0.08 mm, taper 4 %, crown height 10 mm, overall length 40 mm) and a glass cylinder model with a straight root canal (inner diameter 1 mm, crown height 10 mm, overall length 40 mm). The study utilized MZ3 and RFT3 tips in each model, without water or air spray, and with an average power of 1 W at 35 Hz. Laser-activated irrigation overcame the airlock effect by releasing air trapped in the air column. The mechanism underlying the removal of trapped air from the apical region using an Er,Cr:YSGG laser in a dry root canal is via the disruption of the surface tension at the solution-air interface. This disruption, caused by bubble implosion (cavitation), displaces air in the form of bubbles from the apical region toward the solution, which allows the solution to travel apically.
authors.affiliation: Laser Research Center, Cihampelas 41, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, 40116, h2huiz@cbn.net.id.
authors.forename: Harry Huiz
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Peeters
authors.forename: Roeland J G
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: De Moor
authors.forename: Djoko
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Suharto
mesh_terms: D000388:Air; D002857:Chromium / Q000737:chemistry*; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004871:Erbium / Q000737:chemistry*; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State; D012996:Solutions; D013500:Surface Tension; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation
chemical_list: D012996:Solutions; D002857:Chromium; D004871:Erbium