Evaluation of Smear Layer Removal by Activation Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid 17% with Erbium Chromium: Yttrium Scandium Gallium Garnet and Diode Laser: Scanning Electron Microscopy

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Activation of ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) with diode laser and Erbium Chromium: Yttrium Scandium Gallium Garnet (Er, Cr: YSGG) proposed as a promising adjuvant to conventional protocols but, its effectiveness has been seldom addressed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of laser-activated irrigations using the diode laser and the Er, Cr: YSGG laser on removing smear layer (SL) from the root canal wall. Materials and Methods: SL was generated by preparing the root canals of extracted human teeth to a #35/0.05 two shape instrument. The SL then received treatments of one of the following: Group 1, 5 ml, 5.25% NaOCl + 5 ml, 17% EDTA Each for 60 s, Group 2 5 ml, Group 2, 5.25% NaOCl 60 s + 5 ml, 17% EDTA 40 s + Diode laser 980 nm 20 s 5 ml, and Group 3, 5.25% NaOCl 60 s + 17% EDTA 35 s + Er, Cr: YSGG with RFT-2 tip for five cycles of 5 s. Results: The activation of EDTA with diode laser 980 nm shows to be most effective in the SL in the apical and coronal third could be very useful adjutant in endodontic treatment due to its compactness.