Laboratory investigation of the efficacy of holmium:YAG laser irradiation in removing intracanal debris

Michael Nuebler-Moritz; Norbert Gutknecht; Hermann Franz Sailer; Peter Hering; Wilhelm Prettl

doi:10.1117/12.273583

15 May 1997 Laboratory investigation of the efficacy of holmium:YAG laser irradiation in removing intracanal debris

Michael Nuebler-Moritz, Norbert Gutknecht, Hermann Franz Sailer, Peter Hering, Wilhelm Prettl

Proceedings Volume 2973, Lasers in Dentistry III; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.273583
Event: BiOS '97, Part of Photonics West, 1997, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Current endodontic therapy involves debridement and disinfection of the root canal by means of mechanical instrumentation and chemical irrigation. However, several studies have shown that these techniques fail to achieve complete cleansing. Recently, lasers have been suggested for use within root canals. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of Holmium:YAG laser irradiation in removing intracanal debris and smear layer. Root canal surfaces of freshly-extracted human teeth were exposed to pulsed Ho:YAG laser radiation. Subsequently, laser induced structural changes were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Temperature measurements during irradiation were performed by means of thermocouples. The result of this survey give a preliminary indication of the ability of the Ho:YAG laser to improve current endodontic treatment survey give a preliminary indication of the ability of the Ho:YAG laser to improve current endodontic treatment modalities. However, limitations exist with regard to circumscribed and well-quantified irradiation of root canal surfaces, due to the lack of perpendicular delivery of the laser beam. Additional studies will be required to develop suitable optical transmission systems, in order to achieve complete cleansing and to avoid damage to the periradicular tissues, respectively.

Citation Download Citation

Michael Nuebler-Moritz, Norbert Gutknecht, Hermann Franz Sailer, Peter Hering, and Wilhelm Prettl "Laboratory investigation of the efficacy of holmium:YAG laser irradiation in removing intracanal debris", Proc. SPIE 2973, Lasers in Dentistry III, (15 May 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.273583

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