RESUMEN
Objective:To evaluate the cleaning ability of Er∶YAG laser against Enterococcus faecalis in root canals.Methods:The single-rooted human teeth were sterilized and inoculated with Enterococcusfaecalis and were randomly assigned into 2 groups.A group of teeth was irrigated with saline during root canal preparation while another group with NaClO.After mechanical preparation,the two groups were randomly divided into 3 subgroups according to the different treatments:Samples,laser radiation,and calcium hydroxide intracanal medication for 7 days.Bactericical effects were compared among groups.Root canal walls and dental tubules were observed under scanning electron microscope.Results:Er∶YAG laser was the most efficient way for anti-bacteria among the groups (P＜0.05),but there was no significant difference between the 2 laser groups (P＞0.05).Meanwhile the smear laser was efficiently removed by laser compared with other treatments,and the laser could open the dentinal tubules.Conclusion:Er∶YAG laser can be effectively used for root canal disinfection without NaClO and Ca(OH)2.