Laser-activated Versus Sonic-activated Irrigation for Removing Residual Filling Materials in Mandibular Molars: A Micro-Computed Tomography Study.

INTRODUCTION

Advanced irrigation plays a crucial role in nonsurgical retreatment cases, as these procedures require the removal of existing obturation materials while preserving dentin. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of laser-activated versus sonic-activated irrigation in removing residual obturation material in the mesial canals of mandibular molars with isthmuses during nonsurgical root canal retreatment.

METHODS

Forty mesial canals of extracted mandibular molars were instrumented and obturated with gutta-percha and a bioceramic sealer. Retretments was performed using rotary instruments, followed by a final irrigation protocol consisting of 2.5% NaOCl, 17% EDTA, and a final rinse of 2.5% NaOCl using either sonic-activated or laser-activated irrigation (LAI). Micro-computed tomography scans were obtained before and after final irrigation. The volume of obturation material was measured to calculate the median percentage of remaining material in each group.

RESULTS

The LAI group showed a significantly lower median percentage of remaining filling material than the sonic group (73.9% vs. 93.8%, P = .0165). However, neither irrigation protocol completely eliminates residual obturation material from the canals.

CONCLUSION

LAI was more effective at removing remaining obturation material compared to sonic-activated irrigation.