Germ reduction during endodontic treatment of a geminated tooth with a 970 nm laser

Effective germ elimination during endodontic treatment is absolutely necessary1,2 because treatment failure can often be attributed to the inadequate reduction of germs. The bacterial flora in endodontic infections is related to the flora in the oral cavity and has a bacterial population of between 102 and 107 different germs per infected root canal.3 Since mechanical preparation of the root canal alone usually does not result in the sufficient elimination of germs, chemical disinfection of the root canal is an essential part of the work phase to be carried out before the root canal filling, which is referred to as a whole as chemomechanical preparation of the root canal. In the process, over 95% of the microorganisms in the endo dontium can be eliminated.4 Even though many methods and rinse solutions for chemical preparation are available, sodium hypochlorite in a concentration of 0.5–5% is still recommended as the first choice. In order to further improve germ reduction in the root canal, adjuvant antimicrobial procedures may also be used. This includes the use of laser energy, which can be performed athermally (e.g., as part of photodynamic therapy) or thermally. The antimicrobial properties of laser systems such as the diode laser are principally based on thermal effects. In this regard, a 980 nm laser is ascribed as having an antibacterial effect which can be demonstrated up to the depth of dental hard tissue.5 Germ reduction during endodontic treatment of a geminated tooth with a 970 nm laser