Evaluation of the bactericidal effect of Er,Cr:YSGG, and Nd:YAG lasers in experimentally infected root canals

J Endod. 2007 Jul;33(7):830-2. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2007.03.017. Epub 2007 May 7.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bactericidal effect of the Er,Cr:YSGG laser and the Nd:YAG laser in experimentally infected root canals. Sixty single-rooted teeth with straight canals were selected. After preparation and sterilization, the specimens were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis for 3 weeks. After irradiation by lasers, the number of bacteria in each root canal was examined. The Er,Cr:YSGG laser gave a reduction of 77% after irradiation at 1 W and 96% at 1.5 W, but there was no significant difference (p > 0.05). The Nd:YAG laser gave a reduction of 97% at 1 W and 98% at 1.5 W, and there was no significant difference (p > 0.05). Compared with the Er,Cr:YSGG laser, the Nd:YAG laser is more effective (p < 0.05). In conclusion, both lasers systems have a significant bactericidal effect in infected root canals, and the Nd:YAG laser is more effective than the Er,Cr:YSGG laser.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Dental Pulp Cavity / microbiology
  • Dental Pulp Cavity / radiation effects*
  • Disinfectants / therapeutic use
  • Enterococcus faecalis / isolation & purification
  • Enterococcus faecalis / radiation effects*
  • Erbium
  • Humans
  • Laser Therapy*
  • Root Canal Irrigants / therapeutic use
  • Sodium Hypochlorite / therapeutic use
  • Yttrium

Substances

  • Disinfectants
  • Root Canal Irrigants
  • Yttrium
  • Erbium
  • Sodium Hypochlorite