Efficacy of root canal preparation by Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation with crown-down technique in vitro

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of ErCr:YSGG laser in root canal preparation and its effectiveness in removing debris and smear layer with the efficacy of the conventional hand instrument, in vitro. Background Data: Recently, the use of the ErCr:YSGG laser device in root canal preparation has been excepted in the dental clinic. However, there have been no published reports on root canal preparation by using the ErCr:YSGG laser irradiation. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 straight root canals were prepared by an ErCr:YSGG laser at a output power of 2 W, and 40 canals were shaped by using the K rile under irrigation with NaOCl and H2O2 by using the crown-down technique (control). The achievement degree of root canal preparation and debris score was morphologically investigated. Results: The results showed that great improvement in the cleanliness of the walls was found using the laser technique as compared with the control technique; a significant decrease in smear layer or debris was also recognized in laser-prepared canals (p < 0.01). But canal preparations with the laser device sometime result in ledge, zipped, perforation, or over-instrumentation. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that root canal preparations with the laser device were significantly worse than in the control group. Further development in laser device and technique are required to ensure its success in root canal preparation.