The Use of a Pulsed Nd: YAG Laser Radiation for the Removal of Intracanal Debris and Smear Layer in Extracted Human Teeth

Abstract

The efficiency of Nd:YAG laser radiation in removing debris and smear layer from prepared root
canal walls was studied. Fifty-seven human extracted single rooted anterior teeth were divided into three
groups. A group that was not lased is considered as a control group. The remaining teeth were exposed to
different laser parameters regarding laser energy, repetition rate and exposure time. For the case of the set of
parameters of 7 mJ laser energy, the cleaning was maximum at 3 p.p.s. repetition rate for 3 seconds exposure
time for, the coronal, middle and apical thirds. Above and below this energy level, there was an overdose
(melting) or under dose (no effect). Nevertheless for 10mJ laser energy case, the cleaning efficiency was
obvious but less than the 7 mJ case