The morphological study of root canal walls with Er : YAG laser

Abstract

Abstract : The purposes of this study were to observe the morphological changes after Er : YAG laser irradiation and to evaluate the possibility of clinical application by this laser. Twenty-eight extracted humam straight canal and single-rooted teeth showing no clinical sign of caries, were used for this research. All teeth were accessed coronally and instrumented up to #50 K-file using conventional methods. The specimens were bisected longitudinally and irradiated with Er : YAG laser at the following parameters ; a pulse energy of 400 mJ, a repetition rate of 6 Hz, and irradiation times of 1, 2, and 4 sec. Samples were observed using stereomicroscope, light microscope, and scanning electron microscope. No carbonization and crack were observed in any samples regardless of irradiation time using stereomicroscope. In light microscope evaluation, root canal preparation with Er : YAG laser could be observed. Multi-layer structure was visible on laser irradiation site in scanning electron micrograph. These results suggest that Er : YAG laser is applicable to root canal treatment.