Effect of Er:YAG laser-activated irrigation on dentine debris removal from different parts of the root canal system: An in vitro study

Background. There is insufficient information available in the literature about the efficacy of laser-activated irrigation (LAI) in removing dentine debris at different coronal-apical levels of the root canal system (RCS). Objectives. To evaluate the efficacy of erbium (LAI) in removing dentine debris from different coronal-apical levels of the RCS when compared to passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and conventional irrigation (CI). Material and methods. Forty-five single-rooted human teeth were split longitudinally into halves. In each sample, a standardized groove was cut 2-6 mm from the apex along the canal wall of the 1st half, and another standardized groove was cut 10-14 mm from the apex along the canal wall of the 2nd half. Each groove was filled with dentine debris mixed with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) 5.25%. The samples were assigned to 3 experimental groups according to the irrigant activation techniques (n = 15); (a) CI group, (b) PUI group and (c) LAI group. The amount of the remaining dentine debris was identified and scored using a stereomicroscope. Results. Laser-activated irrigation removed significantly more debris than PUI and CI systems. The efficacy of dentine debris removal was not affected by the root canal third within all groups. Conclusions. Erbium LAI enhances dentine debris removal from the artificial irregularities in the RCS.