A microbial assessment of instrumentation and noninstrumentation laser disinfection technique: An in vivo study

The present study compares the reduction in microbial count of instrumentation versus noninstrumentation laser disinfection technique. Thirty patients with periapical lesions ranging 3–5 mm in single-rooted teeth were selected for the study. The groups were divided into two main groups: Group 1 – instrumentation technique and Group 2 – noninstrumentation technique subjected to laser disinfection. Group 2 was again subdivided into two groups: Group 2A – only laser disinfection and Group 2B – laser disinfection and medicament. The groups were analyzed for the reduction in microbial count. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare mean differences in colony-forming unit (CFU) counts. Post operative mean CFU between the three groups were compared using Dunn’s Post Hoc analysis. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Significant differences were noted in mean CFU counts between Group 1 and Groups 2A and 2B (P = 0.006 and P = 0.001, respectively). Among Groups 2A and 2B, the reduction in the microbial count of Group 2B is better than 2A although not significant. The use of Er:YAG laser allows for effective use in disinfection due to its favorable properties such as antimicrobial effect, photoacoustic streaming, vapor bubbles effect, and lack of negative thermal impact on the periodontium. Significant shifts were observed in both the groups, but the impact of the shift was greater in the laser-assisted groups. Noninstrumentation laser disinfection technique shows promising results when compared to conventional techniques.