Laser as an Adjunct in Endodontic Treatment in Dogs: Perspectives on a Conservative, Effective, and Safe Approach

Crown fractures and subsequent pulp necrosis are common clinical findings in veterinary dental practice. While conventional endodontic therapy typically yields favorable outcomes, light therapies, such as antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), have emerged as promising adjuncts for enhancing disinfection and tissue repair. However, standardized protocols for these therapies in veterinary dentistry remain scarce. This clinical case report describes the management of a maxillary incisor with pulp necrosis secondary to a coronal fracture in a dog. Following conventional chemomechanical preparation, aPDT was performed using 0.01% methylene blue as a photosensitizer and a 660 nm diode laser (100 mW, 9 J) delivered via an intracanal diffusing fiber. Immediately after the endodontic canal manipulation, the diode laser (PBMT; 808 nm, 3 J/point) was applied using contact transmucosal mode to modulate inflammation and stimulate periapical bone repair, followed by weekly sessions for 3 weeks. Radiographic and clinical follow-up at day 1, 2 and 8 weeks, and 1 year postoperatively demonstrated progressive alveolar healing and the absence of clinical symptoms. The combined use of aPDT and PBMT with the described laser parameters seemed to be a promising, conservative and effective approach to optimize root canal disinfection, promoting local analgesy and possible accelerating apical bone remodeling. The results suggest that light therapies are valuable tools for enhancing endodontic success in dogs.