(TC27) Laser Assisted Endodontic Irrigation: A Histobacteriologic Presentation

The use of lasers in dentistry has become increasingly popular over the last decade. Lasers have been utilized to accomplish desired effects and clinical advantages in a wide range of treatments of both hard and soft tissues. Laser use in endodontics, specifically during irrigation, has been reported to create a cavitation effect within applied irrigants, enhancing disinfection as the bursting of microscopic bubbles work to disrupt the cell walls of any present bacteria. The effect of lasers on dentin have been explored with SEM studies, with findings including the removal of intracanal smear layer, decreased dentinal tubule permeability, and minor dentin carbonization. The histologic examination to evaluate the efficacy of laser disinfection has yet to be explored. The purpose of this table clinic is to highlight advantages and limitations of laser activated irrigation, with discussion of the available literature and explanation of the involved laser physics. Histobacteriologic processing of mesial roots of mandibular molars treated with the Waterlase, erbium chromium: YSGG all tissue laser and needle irrigation will also be presented. Understanding the science behind lasers and their ability to enhance the activation of root canal irrigation will allow clinicians to better decide whether implementing laser use into their practice will be a worthwhile investment of time and resources.