Three years of clinical evaluation of endodontically treated teeth by 15 FCO2 laser microprobe: In vivo study

Objective: Evaluation of the efficiency of 15 F CO2 laser microprobe, in ca ses of periapical lesions. The elimination of the pathological reaction cau sed by certain species of bacteria by reduction of reinfection and stimulat ion of osteogenesis. Summary Background Data: Until now, no suitable delive ry fiber existed for CO2 laser endodontic radiation in the apical region wh ere it is most difficult to eliminate the pulp tissue using conventional me thods. To overcome this problem, Sharplan Lasers designed a microprobe that reaches closer to the apex, distributing the energy density to a smaller a rea of the root canal, thus favorably increasing the thermal effects. Metho ds: The study was conducted on 900 teeth, corresponding to 1512 root canals , divided in two groups. Four hundred sixty-eight were new cases, carefully selected according to strict parameters such as wide periapical translucen cy over 1 mm, supported by digital x-ray, with a lesion of 3 mm and more. A ll root canals were mechanically prepared in the conventional method up to size 35, Physiological saline solution served as rinsing solution and the r oot canals were treated by 15 F CO2 laser microprobe for 60 pulses repeated ly. The temperature at the surrounding tissue of the root did not exceed 38 degrees C. Results: Filling of the canal was possible at the same appointm ent, without antibiotic treatment. Four hundred thirty-two of the cases, wh ich were referred to us by other dentists after an unsuccessful treatment a ccording to the classic therapy, were treated by the same laser therapy. Fo llow-up was performed by clinical examination, and a digital x-ray was take n, during and after treatment as well as after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Conc lusions: There is a 98% success rate in both study groups, according to obj ective criteria for successful treatment including reduction of apical tran slucency after 2-6 months, freedom from clinical complaints, and no need fo r periapical surgery.