Laser Assisted Root Canal Therapy
- Let's see how lasers can be of assistance in root canal procedures. Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER) therapy utilizes light beams to remove or modify soft and hard tissues in the mouth. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of various lasers as an adjunct in root canal procedures. Lasers essentially emit intense focused light energy, the particular properties of which can interact with biologic tissues. Lasers can now be used to open the surface of a tooth to access the root canal, remove diseased tissue, clean, disinfect and shape the canal, and fill it.
- According to an AAE position paper, the use of lasers in aiding root canal disinfection is more promising than in root canal preparation. Lasers can be used to remove the dental pulp and organic debris, and to even modify (shape and clean) the dentinal walls of the root canals. Once preparation is complete and the root canal is sealed (usually with gutta-percha), the laser may be used to soften and mold the sealant for the root canal system.
134.png){kind=logo}
