Root canal systems are tricky and there are many clinical challenges that beleaguer one’s ability to achieve success with endodontics procedures.
Complications range from restricted canal access, complex canal anatomy, infection-harboring instruments, irrigation limitations, antiquated instrumentation techniques, and inability to eliminate bacteria hidden deep within the canal structure.
With elimination of bacteria from infected root canal systems remaining a critical objective of endodontic therapy, a combination of treatment techniques has traditionally been required for sterilization—not always with the greatest success. NaOCl or CHX, for example, have been shown to have low ability to eliminate Enterococcus faecalis. But recent studies indicate that dental lasers provide significant sterilization advantages over conventional methods.
One newer option is the WaterLase iPlus Er,Cr:YSGG laser by BIOLASE. Working deep into the dentinal tubules to kill more bacteria without the use of NaOCl irrigators, the WaterLase achieves a significant reduction in bacterial counts in only three minutes compared to 20-30 minutes for conventional treatment.
Using hydro-photonics to create powerful micro-agitation effects throughout the entire root canal system, the all-tissue WaterLase iPlus is effective on the highly resistant E. faecalis and helps reduce retreatment risk.
A key element of the WaterLase’s sterilization success rate is BIOLASE’s radial firing tip (RFT), which emits laser energy through a broad cone. As opposed to standard end firing tips, which point downward and can miss critical areas. The cone shape of the WaterLase RFT provides wide coverage of canal walls, allowing for greater disinfection after debridement.
Benefits of Endodontic Procedures:
Other endodontic procedures that can benefit from minimally invasive laser use include:
- Root canal access
- Root canal enlargement
- Root canal debridement
- Flap preparation
- Apex exposure
- Apicoectomy
- Root end preparation and retrofill
- Removal of pathological tissues
- Faster healing with LLLT
Successful endodontic treatment includes cleaning, shaping and disinfection protocol to eradicate debris, smear layer and bacteria. WaterLase iPlus is indicated for cleaning and disinfection of the root canal after endodontic instrumentation.
Be trickier than a root canal. Adopt lasers into your practice for superior disinfection, minimally invasive access, greater efficacy, and more promising long-term results. Your patients will tell other patients.
