Effectiveness of Nd:YAG Laser on the elimination of debris and Smear Layer. A comparative study with two different irrigation solution: EDTA and QMix® in addition to NaOCl

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness in dentin debris and smear layer removal from root canal walls using EDTA and QMix® alone and also activated with Nd:YAG laser. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 50 single-rooted teeth were instrumented and divided in 5 groups according to irrigation protocol: 17% EDTA, QMix®, Nd:YAG laser alone, and combination of 17% EDTA - Nd:YAG laser and QMix® - Nd:YAG laser. Samples were evaluated using SEM. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-Square Fisher exact test and McNemar test. RESULTS: Dentinal debris analysis showed statistically significant differences when comparing 17% EDTA vs Laser and Laser vs QMix® in combination with Laser at the apical third. The Smear Layer analysis also showed statistically significant differences at the apical third when comparing 17% EDTA vs Laser, QMix® vs QMix® in combination with Laser and Laser vs QMix® in combination with Laser. CONCLUSIONS: 17% EDTA was the most efficient irrigant showing the best results. Laser alone was not effective removing either dentinal debris or smear layer. Key words:Laser, endodontics, Smear Layer.