The present findings suggest that for single-rooted and premolar teeth, this laser-assisted protocol can achieve predictable endodontic outcomes, comparable to conventional strategies in 1 year of follow-up.

Clinical reports stating the efficacy of novel root canal disinfection protocols are an important focus in endodontic research. This blind randomized clinical trial assessed the clinical efficacy of the erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser radial firing tips (RFT) versus the concomitant use of 3 % sodium hypochlorite and interim calcium hydroxide paste in necrotic teeth with chronic apical periodontitis. We hypothesized to find similar or improved bone healing in the laser-assisted endodontic treatment. Thirty-six anterior and premolar teeth were randomly assigned. In group 1, teeth were prepared with 3 % sodium hypochlorite for irrigation and calcium hydroxide as inter-appointment dressing; in group 2, teeth were prepared with saline solution and irradiated with Er,Cr:YSGG laser using RFT2 (140 μs, 37.5 mJ, 20 Hz) and RFT3 (140 μs, 62.5 mJ, 20 Hz) in the first and second appointment, respectively, four times each, moving at 2 mm s(-1) from apical to coronal. The primary outcome measure was changed in apical bone density at 6 months, using the periapical index (PAI) for blind radiographic evaluation. Twenty-nine patients were examined and subjected to statistical analysis, 12 in group 1 and 17 in group 2. There was one treatment failure in group 1. Both groups gave similar outcomes exhibiting statistically significant decreases in PAI scores.

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Aim The goal of endodontic research is to report interventions, techniques or protocols that are most likely to deliver the outcomes that are of most interest to both clinicians and patients. The development of a double-wavelength laser delivered concomitantly and through the same radial firing tip (RFT) may provide a unique combination of beneficial properties that may clinically surpass all previously reported laser-assisted protocols. The aim is to present a rational literature overview that could support the adoption of simultaneous use 2780 and 940 nm wavelengths for smear layer removal and disinfection respectively. Methods In order to provide relevant clinical data, two distinct clinical cases of relatively high endodontic complexity are reported with 1-year follow-up.Results The results of both clinical cases show the immediate remission of symptoms, absence of clinical complications and complete radiographic healing. Conlusions Together with the available amount of literature that could support the effectiveness of these two wavelengths to remove SL and to achieve deep dentin disinfection, it is possible to expect that this innovative combination of lasers delivered by RFT may be of high clinical relevance in the near future.