Temperature Rise During Laser-Activated Root Canal Disinfection

Objectives: Laser application has been proposed as a viable method for root canal disinfection. However, the extent of temperature elevation resulting from laser treatment in root canals remains a concern. Previous research indicates that a temperature increase of 10°C above the human body temperature could lead to adverse effects on dental cement and the periodontal ligament.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate and compare surface temperature changes during endodontic procedures when employing Er,Cr:YSGG (2780nm) and Diode (940nm) lasers with two different firing tips and settings.
Methods: Methods: Single-rooted teeth were sectioned longitudinally into 1mm-thin slabs, and a dedicated testing setup was established. Two thermocouples were strategically placed on the outer surfaces of the roots. The roots were securely mounted on a plastic holder and submerged in a temperature-controlled water bath maintained at 37°C. Continuous monitoring of temperature variations on the root's outer surface were conducted using thermocouples connected to a Picolog TC08 data logger. Er,Cr:YSGG (Waterlase, Biolase) was applied with a RFT3 radial firing tip (2.25 w, 50 Hz)or MZ 4 end-firing tip (2,5W, 75Hz) and diode laser (EpicX, Biolase) was used with endo or surgical white end-firing (1W, continuous wave) tips for endodontic disinfection. All protocols were executed for 3×20s (n=8/group). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with a significance level of α=0.05.
Results: Results: The diode laser induced significantly higher (p<0.05) temperature elevations compared to the Er,Cr:YSGG laser, with average variations ranging from 7°C (for the white surgical-tip,) to 5°C (for the endo-tip). Temporarily, peak temperatures up to 20°C higher than the baseline temperature were observed.
Conclusions: Conclusion: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the surface temperature on the outer root generally remains within a 10°C increase from the baseline temperature during laser irradiation and can be considered harmless for periodontal tissue.