Application of Root Canal Irrigation using Er:YAG Laser

Abstract

Apical periodontitis is defined as an inflammatory disease due to intracanal pathogens, and root canal irrigation is one of the critical treatment procedures to facilitate the elimination of intracanal pathogens that are left in the uninstrumented area. Although laser-activated irrigation (LAI) using an Er:YAG laser has been reported as a superior root canal cleaning method which generates shockwave, cavitation and acoustic streaming, there have been concerns about the uncertainties of the optimum setting for cleaning and the risk of irrigant extrusion from the apical foramen. In this article, we review the findings of previously published studies on the cleaning efficacy and safety of LAI using an Er:YAG laser and also introduce our current studies.