Apicectomy with the Er:YAG Laser or Bur, Followed by Retrograde Root Filling with Zinc Oxide/Eugenol or Sealer 26

Abstract

This study evaluated the influence of root resection, by means of the use of erbium:YAG laser in sealing two different materials, OZE and Sealer 26, in retrograde obturations. Few studies with sufficient data have been conducted in this area. Forty uniradicular teeth were used. They were biomechanically prepared using the step-back technique and obturated using the lateral condensation technique. The teeth were divided into two groups of 20 teeth, one group using the erbium:YAG laser (350 mJ and 6 Hz) for the resection process and the other using the Zekrya Drill, in high rotation. Then, the retrograde cavities were prepared using a micro counter-angle with a number 2 spherical bur. After preparing the cavities, the teeth were impermeabilized and divided into two subgroups. One subgroup used the retrograde obturation technique with Sealer 26 cement, and the other subgroup used OZE. After completing the retrograde obturation, the teeth were immersed in 2% methylene blue for a 7-day period. Teeth were then removed from the dye, washed, scraped, and sectioned in the vestibule-lingual direction. The results were analyzed with the aid of a magnifying lens, and scores were attributed based on the magnitude of infiltration. The data were then submitted to statistical analysis. No statistical difference was noticed regarding the root resection methods; however, in comparing materials, Sealer 26 was statistically superior to OZE. In the subgroup comparison, a significant difference was noticed in the Laser and Sealer 26 and the Laser and OZE and bur and OZE.