1PG, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India - 751024. Email: ranjan.ananya98@gmail.com
2Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Hi Tech Dental College and Hospital, Odisha University of Health Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India - 751025. Email: reachswagat@gmail.com
3PG, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, DJ College of Dental Sciences and Research, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University, Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India - 201204. Email: bskarthik99@gmail.com
4PG, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, DJ College of Dental Sciences and Research, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University, Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India - 201204. Email: vidhyaselva99@gmail.com
5PG, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Sri Siddhartha Dental College and Hospital, Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education, Tumkur, Karnataka, India - 572107. Email: davidbijualathur@gmail.com
6PG, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Institute of Dental Sciences and Technology, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University, Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India - 201201. Email: doctorbharath99@gmail.com
Corresponding Author: Ananya, ranjan.ananya98@gmail.com
Background: Effective root canal disinfection is essential for the success of endodontic treatment. Conventional root canal disinfection primarily relies on mechanical instrumentation combined with chemical irrigants such as sodium hypochlorite and EDTA. However, due to the complex anatomy of the root canal system, complete elimination of microorganisms remains challenging. Laser-assisted disinfection has been introduced as an adjunctive technique that may enhance microbial elimination by penetrating deeper into dentinal tubules and disrupting bacterial biofilms.
Aim: To compare the effectiveness of laser-assisted root canal disinfection with traditional root canal disinfection techniques in reducing microbial load within the root canal system.
Methodology: This randomized controlled trial included 100 patients requiring root canal treatment. The participants were randomly divided into two groups of 50 each. Group A underwent conventional root canal disinfection using standard irrigation with sodium hypochlorite and EDTA, while Group B received laser-assisted disinfection using a diode laser in addition to conventional irrigation. Microbial samples were collected before instrumentation (S1) and after the disinfection procedure (S2) using sterile paper points. The samples were cultured, and bacterial counts were measured in colony-forming units (CFU). Statistical analysis was performed using STATA software, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.
Results: Both groups demonstrated a significant reduction in microbial counts after disinfection. However, the laser-assisted group showed a greater reduction in bacterial load compared to the conventional group. The percentage reduction in bacterial count was higher in the laser group, and statistical analysis confirmed that the difference between the two groups was significant (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Laser-assisted root canal disinfection significantly enhances microbial reduction when used alongside conventional irrigation techniques. Therefore, it may serve as an effective adjunctive method to improve the overall success of endodontic treatment.
Keywords: Laser-assisted disinfection, Root canal therapy, Endodontic infection, Diode laser, Microbial reduction
How to cite this article: Ananya, Panda S, Karthik BS, Vidhyatharan M, Biju D, Kandanattu B. Comparative Effectiveness of Laser Assisted vs Traditional Root Canal Disinfection Techniques: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(13s): 236-243. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.13s.25
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None