Nd:YAG laser irradiation of infected root canals in combination with microbiological examinations.

In this in vivo study, 30 subjects with infected root canals were treated with the neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet, or Nd:YAG, laser using standard laser settings and procedures. In microbiological examinations conducted before irradiation, the authors found streptococci in 30 cases and staphylococci in 15 cases. After the first irradiation, the authors found that 19 root canals showed minimal streptococcal growth and 10 root canals showed minimal staphylococcal growth.