Effects of Nd: YAG laser on tumour necrosis factor‐alpha, interleukin‐1beta and interferon‐gamma levels in teeth with apical periodontitis: A clinical study

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the levels of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β) and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) with asymptomatic apical periodontitis (AP). A total of 60 participants were randomly divided into two groups: the conventional irrigation (control) and the Nd: YAG laser irradiation. The interstitial fluids were obtained after root canal cleaning (day 0) and 1 week later (day 7). The TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IFN‐γ levels were assayed using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The Mann–Whitney U, continuity correction chi‐square, Pearson chi‐square and Fisher exact tests were used. An increased level of cytokines on day 7 in the control group was observed, without statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). All cytokine levels decreased over time in the laser group. Only the IL‐1β level showed a significant difference (p < 0.05). Nd: YAG irradiation has a positive effect on decreasing the proinflammatory cytokine level and may help to control infection in teeth with AP.