Analysis of the morphology and composition of tooth apices apicectomized using three different ablation techniques.

Objectives: To investigate apicectomies performed using burs, a CO2 laser or an Er:YAG laser and to evaluate the following aspects: morphology of apicectomized surfaces, presence of failures at the dentin/obturation material interface (marginal fit) of the apical portions of the root canals, and the proportions of chemical elements in the apicectomized surfaces.

Study Design: Twenty-four teeth were divided into three groups of eight and each group underwent apicectomy by one of three different ablation techniques: bur, CO2 laser or Er:YAG laser. The morphology of the apicectomized surfaces was then analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and their chemical composition was analyzed by energy dispersive spectroscopy.