Bactericidal activity of erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet laser in root canals.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser by measuring its bactericidal effect inside root canals experimentally colonized with Enterococcus faecalis. We also determined the optimal conditions for the Er,Cr:YSGG laser to achieve the maximal bactericidal effect. An Er,Cr:YSGG Waterlase laser was used, and its antimicrobial effect was compared with that of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) at various concentrations as widely used in clinics.