Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026

Treating Surfaces with a Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma using the COST-Jet
Published on: November 2, 2020
Comparison study of root canal disinfection by cold plasma jet and photodynamic therapy
Ameneh Armand1, Mohammadreza Khani1, Mohammad Asnaashari2
1Laser and Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Evin, Tehran, Iran.
Introduction:
This study evaluated and compared the antibacterial effect of plasma and photodynamic therapy (PDT) in root canals infected with Enterococcus faecalis.
Methods:
One hundred single-rooted extracted human teeth (no treatment) were selected and sterilized. Root canals of teeth were prepared with the crown-down technique and contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis after sterilization, and incubated for one week. To investigate the effect of disinfection, 60 specimens were randomly selected for three disinfection groups: He and He/O2 plasma (n = 20) in 5-s groups (control, 2, 4, 6 and 8 min treatments) and PDT (n = 20) in 2-s groups (control and PDT treatment). Next, for comparison, 40 remaining teeth were divided into four groups: control, 8 min He plasma, 8 min He/O2, and PDT. Results of antibacterial action were reported by CFU/mL analysis and the structural changes of biofilm were evaluated by SEM.
Results:
All groups showed a significant reduction of bacteria after treatment, and He/O2 plasma was more effective against E. faecalis, followed by PDT and He plasma respectively, further confirmed by SEM.
Conclusion:
He/O2 plasma is a strong sterilization method against E. faecalis biofilm and can, therefore, be an effective therapy in endodontics.
Related Concept Videos
Free Jet
Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
Responses to Heat and Cold Stress
The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
Cold Weather Concreting
To counteract the negative impacts of cold weather, ensuring...
Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots

