External Root Surface Temperature Elevation During Gutta Percha Removal Using Er,Cr:YSGG Laser: A Time-Duration...

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Lasers
• Root Canal Treatment

Background:

• Root temperature elevation during laser application is a known concern.
• Limited data exists on the relationship between Er,Cr:YSGG laser duration and temperature rise during gutta-percha removal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comparatively evaluate root temperature changes during gutta-percha (GP) removal using the Er,Cr:YSGG laser at different application durations.
• To determine the optimal duration for safe and effective GP removal with the Er,Cr:YSGG laser.

Main Methods:

• Forty-two gutta-percha-filled root samples were divided into three groups (n=14) for Er,Cr:YSGG laser treatment.
• GP removal was performed using identical laser parameters, with application durations of 8, 10, and 12 minutes.
• External root surface temperature was measured at the apical third using a thermocouple and digital thermometer.

Main Results:

• A significant temperature increase was observed with longer Er,Cr:YSGG laser application durations (P < .05).
• Groups II (10 minutes) and III (12 minutes) exceeded the critical thermal limit for root surface temperature.
• The highest temperature elevation occurred in the 12-minute group, followed by the 10-minute and 8-minute groups.

Conclusions:

• Extended Er,Cr:YSGG laser application for gutta-percha removal leads to temperature elevations exceeding critical thermal limits.
• To minimize detrimental effects on surrounding tissues, Er,Cr:YSGG laser use for GP removal should be limited to 5-8 minutes.
• Further clinical studies are needed to validate these findings and establish best practices for laser-assisted root canal procedures.