Pressure waves in root canals induced by Nd: YAG laser.

Recently, root canal preparation using Nd:YAG laser has been introduced. Laser interaction with matter may generate cavitation and subsequent pressure waves. This study characterized the pressure waves induced in root canals by either Nd: YAG laser, sonically vibrated files, or ultrasonically vibrated files. The root canals of 14 single-rooted teeth were prepared conventionally and filled with water. In 12 teeth, a pulsed Nd:YAG laser was activated in the canal using optical fibers of various diameters and various power settings. In the remaining two teeth, either a sonic or ultrasonic file was activated. The pressure waves induced in the canals were detected by a piezoelectric transducer. The results were analyzed using correlation coefficient and coefficient of variation. Laser irradiation resulted in pressure waves with amplitudes varying from 35.78 to 79.26 mV, being positively correlated with the laser power density (R2 = 0.870). Sonic and ultrasonic vibrations resulted in pressure waves with mean amplitudes of 60.51 mV and 7.02 mV, respectively. It was concluded that Nd:YAG laser irradiation induced pressure waves, with different characteristics from waves induced by freely vibrating sonic and ultrasonic endodontic instruments when applied to water-filled root canals.