Cleaning and shaping the root canal with an Nd: YAG laser beam: A comparative study

AIM: This study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of an experimental Nd:YAG laser fiberoptic delivery system compared with conventional methods for its ability to cleanse and shape the root canal space in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two teeth were divided into two groups. In the first group, the canals were instrumented with k files, in the second the initial preparation was done with a K file and completed with a laser beam. RESULTS: Scanning electron microscopic evaluations showed that preparation with a laser beam is possible and results in an improvement in the cleanliness of the canal walls when compared with conventional techniques. CONCLUSION: Root canal preparation using Nd:YAG laser results in cleaner dentin walls when compared to conventional methods.