The Effect of Er:YAG Laser on Entroccocus faecalis Bacterium in the Pulpectomy of Anterior Primary Teeth

Abstract

Introduction:Successful root canal therapy depends on the complete elimination of microorganisms such as Entroccocus faecalis, which is impossible to achieve with the traditional methods. Lasers are recently introduced as a new method to solve the problem. The present study is planned and performed to examining the antibacterial effect of Er:YAG laser. Methods:Sixty extracted anterior primary teeth were prepared and sterilized. E. faecalis bacterium was cultured in canals. Samples were randomly divided into two groups. The first group was disinfected by NaOCl 5/25 and Er:YAG laser and the second group just by NaOCl 5/25. Samples of canal contents were cultured and colony counts were calculated. The results were analyzed statistically by SPSS software and Mann Whitney test. Results:There was no significant difference between colony counts in both groups (P=0.142). But the number of colonies in the first group was lower than in the second group. Conclusion:Although, Er:YAG laser cannot completely eliminate E. faecalis bacterium, its simultaneous use with NaOCl decreases E. faecalis.