Comparison of microleakage and thermographic evaluation of root canal irradiated by Er:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers

Abstract

Purpose: This study was carried out to compare the apical leakage after Er:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers irradiation with both techniques: helicoidal and vertical irradiations and to evaluate temperature changes at root surface. Materials and Methods: The extracted human teeth were instrumented then treated by Nd:YAG (1,064nm) and Er:YAG (2,940nm) lasers with two techniques: helicoidal and vertical irradiations. The Nd:YAG laser parameters was: 100mJ, 15Hz, 1.5W, and for the Er:YAG laser was 160mJ, 10Hz. SEM, and stereoscopy evaluations were performed. Results: The apical leakage was less in the teeth treated by lasers, and the irradiation with the Nd:YAG laser after Er:YAG laser decreased the apical leakage. The thermographic study found that temperature rise was less than 6°C. Conclusion: The results suggest the usefulness of Nd:YAG laser intracanal irradia