What are the benefits of laser root canal treatment over other procedures?

Doctor's Answers 1

Lasers can be used to improve disinfection of the root canal space. The internal anatomy of the root canal system is very complex and web-like. This means that conventional rinsing with strong disinfectants (the best is bleach) are unable to fully penetrate and clean out these tortuous spaces.

The laser energy causes heating and bubbling of the disinfectant, pushing it into these spaces. This allows for better cleaning and is thought to improve root canal treatment success.

Other applications include root canal space preparation, partial pulp removal (pulpotomy), root canal retreatment and root-end surgery (apicoectomy).

One of the main difficulties in using lasers for non-direct cutting (as in apicoectomy) or disinfectant activation is that the laser energy is transmitted only in a straight line. Root canals are irregular and curved, so using lasers inside them can be difficult.

Currently, lasers are not considered mandatory for use in modern root canal therapy. Using a laser to improve disinfection may be useful in retreatment of heavily infected teeth. A laser may not necessarily improve the outcome for all root canal treatment cases.

Similar Questions

How long does root canal treatment at a dental clinic usually last? (photo)

It depends on what you mean by "last". If you mean how likely it is that the root canal treatment will have a successful long term outcome, then there are studies showing that root canal treatment in teeth with areas of bone loss around the root tips are about 70-80% successful over the long term. This is because teeth with this sort of radiographic appearance tend to have a much higher load of bacteria in the root canal spaces.

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Answered By

Dr Jaclyn Toh

Dentist

What kinds of crowns may be used for an upper premolar (fifth tooth) after root canal treatment?

These are the materials that may be used for an upper premolar crown: Lithium disilicate A type of aesthetic and translucent porcelain that can be made with layers to mimic the appearance of a natural tooth. This material requires the greatest amount of thickness to withstand cracking and to give the best appearance. This material can also be used for partial crowns (onlays). Zirconia Another type of very dense and hard porcelain that can be used in thinner section without compromising strength. This material is also used for the blades of ceramic knives.

Photo of Dr Jaclyn Toh

Answered By

Dr Jaclyn Toh

Dentist

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