(PR063) Apical Extrusion Using the EdgePRO Laser-assisted Irrigation Device

Objectives: While enhancing root canal debridement and disinfection, various techniques of activated irrigation carry the risk of debris and irrigant extrusion into the periapical tissues. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the amount of debris extrusion and irrigant extrusion utilizing sonic, ultrasonic, and laser activation with the EdgePro laser-assisted irrigation device. The null hypothesis is that there is no difference in irrigant and debris extrusion generated among all irrigant activation techniques.

Methods: Single-canal teeth (n=25) with intact apices, a single apical foramen, and minimal curvatures were selected for this study. Teeth were mounted in the caps of microcentrifuge tubes to collect any extruded irrigants and debris, and root canals were prepared to a 35/.04 apical size. Final irrigation was conducted using the following techniques: side vent needle (control), sonic, ultrasonic, and laser activation using the EdgePro laser in Water Endo and Solutions Mid-Root protocols. The difference in final and initial weights of the microcentrifuge tubes containing extruded debris and irrigant was utilized to calculate the amount of irrigant and debris extruded. Results were analyzed by using ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests (P < .05).

Results: Sonic irrigation produced the highest mean extrusion of debris and irrigant; however, there is no significant difference in irrigant or debris extrusion among all irrigation protocols and no significant difference when comparing any pair of irrigation protocols (p >0.05).

Conclusion: The EdgePro laser-assisted irrigation device results in similar amounts of irrigant and debris extrusion compared to other methods of activated irrigation.