engleski

Removal of the gutta-percha using a Nd:YAG laser

The aim of this study was to examine the possible use of Nd:YAG laser in removing the gutta-percha filling from the root canal: a) with eucalyptol b) with dimethylformamide (DMF), and c) without solvent. The root canal fillings (sealer and gutta-percha) were removed with laser irradiation of 20Hz/1.5W. Laser irradiation was performed until the temperature reached 4°C on the display of the measuring instrument. The treatment was finished when the apical foramen was reached with the optical fiber and there was no evidence of gutta-percha or sealer on file inserted in root canals. The samples were split longitudinally and area of remaining gutta-percha on the canal walls was determined by computer program ISSA. The average temperature rose in the eucalyptol group was 9°C, in DMF group 9.3°C, and in group without solvent increase of the temperature was 8°C. Average duration of the complete treatment was the shortest in the group without solvent (6.4 min), then in the eucalyptol group (6.6 min) and DMF group (6.7 min). Area of remaining gutta-percha was the largest for DMF samples (1.49 mm2), and the smallest for laser group ( 1.14 mm2) but the difference was not statistically significant. Removal of gutta-percha root canal filling by Nd:YAG laser alone and in combination with solvents showed applicability because of the shortness of retreatment while the temperature on the root surface remains in the safe confines.

Nd:YAG laser; retreatment; eucalyptol; dimethylformamide

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