Antibacterial efficacy of diode and Er:YAG laser irradiation in experimentally contaminated primary molar root canals

Abstract

Objective: In vitro comparison of the antibacterial efficacy of Diode and Er:YAG laser irradiation with that of NaOCl irrigation in contaminated primary molar root canals.

Study design: 96 root canals prepared from 32 extracted primary molar teeth were mechanically enlarged and the teeth were randomly divided into 4 subgroups. The roots were inoculated with an overnight culture of Enterococcus faecalis in tryptic soy broth for 24 hours. The root canals irradiated with diode and Er:YAG laser and irrigated with NaOCl (5.25%) were experimental groups and untreated canals served as positive control group. Bacterial growth was analysed by counting viable E. faecalis on tryptic soy agar plates.

Results: The number of bacteria was significantly reduced in experimental groups in comparison with the control group. Diode laser was determined to be more effective in reducing the number of bacteria when compared to Er:YAG laser NaOCl irrigation was found significantly most effective.

Conclusions: Diode laser irradiation and 5.25% NaOCl application provided a significant antibacterial effect in vitro, in contaminated primary molar root canals.