Activated Irrigation in Endodontics

Did you know that lasers were first used in the field of Endodontics in 1971?

We're known as the Endodontist in our area to use laser for our root canal treatments and surgeries. Though we still undergo the traditional method for root canal treatment, we use the laser right before we fill the canals. The laser is used to clean out the canals with sterile water and then it's used to dry out the canals to reduce bacterial count to a point of sterilization. During our surgeries, we like to use the laser to create a flap in the gum area. We find that the laser promotes faster healing and decreases post-operative pain.

In the recent issue of Decisions in Dentistry, Dr. Kazim Mirza writes about laser usage in Endodontics. He begins by writing that Endodontic treatment is highly successfully with a reported range of 82% to 97%. Dr. Mirza writes that research shows that disinfecting the canals with cleaning and irrigation increases the success rate of treatment. Dr. Mirza refers to cited papers written by Zehnder M. They commented on the newer approaches to traditional irrigation. The most common method to irrigation would be using a file to shake the irrigant and the ultrasonic to cause a hydridynamic effect in the fluid. Lasers can be used to cause a very similar effect. Dr. Mirza goes on to explain how laser irrigation works and it's evolution in Endodontics.

To read the full article, click on the link: (https://decisionsindentistry.com/article/activated-irrigation-in-endodontics/)

ACTIVATED IRRIGATION IN ENDODONTICS
By: Kazim Mirza, BDS
Article found in: The Journal of Multidisciplinary Care: Decisions in Dentistry (June 2019 Issue)

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