Er:YAG and alexandrite laser radiation propagation in the root canal and its effect on bacteria

The goal of the study was to verify differences between the alexandrite and Er:YAG laser energy distribution in the root canal and in the surrounding dentin and bone tissues. For the experiment, two lasers were prepared: the Er:YAG laser (lambda=2.94 mu m) with a delivery system fluorocarbon polymer-coated silver hollow glass waveguide ended by a special sapphire tip and the alexandrite laser (lambda=0.75 mu m) with a silicon fiber. The Er:YAG laser was operated in a free-running mode, the length of the generated pulses was 250 mu sec and the output energy ranged from 100 to 350 mJ. The pulse length of the free-running alexandrite laser was 70 mu sec and the output energy was ranged from 80 up to 200 mJ. For the experiment prepared root canals of molars were used. It was ascertained that the radiation of the alexandrite laser passes through the root canal and hits the surrounding tissue. Nocardia asteroides, Filaments, Microccocus albus, Lactobacillus sp and Streptococcus sanguis colonies were treated by the Er:YAG or alexandrite laser radiation. The surface was checked by scanning electron microscopy. From the result it follows that the Er:YAG laser destroyed microbial colonies but the difference is in the depth of the affected area.