Combination of an optic system and Er:YAG laser in root canal preparation: study in vivo and in vitro

The effect of Er:YAG laser in debris removing after conventional root preparation was tested by optical system in vivo and scanning electron microscope in vitro. The root canal of fifty permanent molars was cleaned in vivo and Er:yag laser treated. Flexiscope system was used to evaluate the efficacy of laser cleansing at the different stages of endodontic therapy. Forty permanent teeth, extracted for orthodontic or periodontal purposes, were treated in vitro using the same technique and instruments. The in vitro treated teeth were also examined under the SEM. The results of our investigation show an effective improvement of the cleansing of the endodontic surface from pulpal remaining and a smear layer after laser irradiation in vivo and in vitro. The use of Er:YAG laser in organic debris removing and the consequent optical system analysis of the quality of root preparation in vivo seem to be a reliable technique particularly useful in clinical application.