Er:YAG Laser-Assisted Root Canal Decontamination in Post-treatement Endodontic Apical Periodontitis: A Case Report

Bacterial biofilm persistence in the endodontic system is often linked to post-treatment apical periodontitis, which continues to be a significant therapeutic problem. Because of their ability to penetrate and their photothermal effects on resistant microbes, laser technologies have shown great promise in enhancing root canal decontamination. The aim of this brief case report was to assess whether laser decontamination of the root canal system is beneficial for a patient who has persistent apical periodontitis following endodontic treatment. Clinical and radiographic examination of the patient's teeth revealed post-treatment chronic apical periodontitis at tooth 47, for which endodontic retreatment was indicated. Root canal irrigation was performed using 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, activated with an Er:YAG dental laser to enhance root canal disinfection. Efficacy was assessed using cone beam computed tomography images by comparing the initial and postoperative radiographic evolution. Radiologic assessment at three months confirmed a tendency toward apical lesion regression and clinical improvement, with no postoperative adverse events observed.