Effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation on eruption of rat mandibular incisor after disturbance of the enamel organ in the pulp

To investigate the efficacy of Er,Cr:YSGG (erbium,chromium:yttrium scandium gallium garnet) laser irradiation in root canal preparation and to evaluate its effect on eruption of rat incisors after disturbance of the enamel organ in the pulp, 20 canals of lower left incisor teeth were prepared by K-files followed by Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation, and 20 canals of right incisors were subjected to K-files only (control). At 1 week after irradiation, both sides of incisors erupted at the same level from the gingival margin. Histological findings showed that laser irradiation produced a slightly larger damage in the pulp than that of control. Scanning electron microscope observation revealed that laser-treated surface revealed a rough, irregular, and very clean surface; there was almost no evidence of debris or smear layer, and dentinal tubules were opened. Adequate power of Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation is effective in root canal preparation without disturbance of the eruption.