Sealing ability of three root-end filling materials prepared using an erbium: Yttrium aluminium garnet laser and endosonic tip evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscopy

Abstract

Aims:(1) To compare the sealing ability of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Biodentine, and Chitra-calcium phosphate cement (CPC) when used as root-end filling, evaluated under confocal laser scanning microscope using Rhodamine B dye. (2) To evaluate effect of ultrasonic retroprep tip and an erbium:yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG) laser on the integrity of three different root-end filling materials.Materials and Methods:The root canals of 80 extracted teeth were instrumented and obturated with gutta-percha. The apical 3 mm of each tooth was resected and 3 mm root-end preparation was made using ultrasonic tip (n = 30) and Er:YAG laser (n = 30). MTA, Biodentine, and Chitra-CPC were used to restore 10 teeth each. The samples were coated with varnish and after drying, they were immersed in Rhodamine B dye for 24 h. The teeth were then rinsed, sectioned longitudinally, and observed under confocal laser scanning microscope.Statistical Analysis Used:Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a post-hoc Tukey's test at P < 0.05 (R software version 3.1.0).Results:Comparison of microleakage showed maximum peak value of 0.45 mm for Biodentine, 0.85 mm for MTA, and 1.05 mm for Chitra-CPC. The amount of dye penetration was found to be lesser in root ends prepared using Er:YAG laser when compared with ultrasonics, the difference was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05).Conclusions:Root-end cavities prepared with Er:YAG laser and restored with Biodentine showed superior sealing ability compared to those prepared with ultrasonics.

Uses of lasers in endodontics

“…Le Goff et al compared the bactericidal action of the CO 2 LASER on animal teeth infected with Actinomyces odontolyticus, with that of NaOCl. [2] Results indicated an average 85% decrease in the colonyforming units in the laser-treated group, compared with the control group. However, the NaOCl treatment was statistically superior to the CO 2 laser treatment.…”

“…Gutkencht et al determined the bactericidal effect of the Ho:YAG laser on root canals in vitro and found that it was very efficient. [2] Klinke et al evaluated the bactericidal effects of Nd:YAG laser irradiation in different thicknesses of root canal dentine and found highly significant elimination of bacteria for all thicknesses. Gordon et al investigated the ability of an Er,Cr:YSGG laser with radial emitting tips to disinfect Enterococcus faecalis-infected dentine.…”

“…The root canal walls irradiated with Nd:YAG laser showed a clear glazed surface, some open dentinal tubules and some surface craters with cracks. [2] Moshonov et al compared the efficacy of root canal cleanliness with and without Nd:YAP laser application and assessed the laser effect on the dentine's mineral content. The cleanliness of the laser treated teeth was significantly greater than teeth treated with K-files alone.…”

“…Melcer et al used CO 2 LASER on beagle dogs and monkeys to achieve hemostasis after pulp tissue exposure. [2] Moritz et al used CO 2 LASER for direct pulp capping compared with calcium hydroxide. Results showed, after 12 months, success rate of 89% with LASER and 68% with calcium hydroxide.…”

“…Hence, a LASER can be well described by its wavelength. [2] Wavelengths emitted at ultraviolet spectrum appear promising in endodontics. ArF LASER at 193 nm is well suited for removal of necrotic debris from root canal, leaving behind smooth, crack free and fissure free melted, dentine walls XeCl (308 nm) capable of melting dentin and closing of dentinal tubules.…”