The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of three irrigation techniques : laser-activated irrigation, ultrasonic irrigation, and conventional syringe irrigation, in removing debris and smear layer from the root canal wall. Bovine root dentin was used. The canal surface was ground with a carbide bar to make a smear layer. Thereafter, the specimens were set at an apical area of the simulated root canal model. As irrigation solution, sodium hypochlorite and EDTA were used in this order. By scanning electron microscopy, laser-activated irrigation and ultrasonic irrigation samples showed effective smear layer removal and open dentinal tubules. In contrast, smear plugs and debris remained in the syringe irrigation samples. In conclusion, irrigant activation using laser and ultrasonic devices might contribute to root canal cleanliness.

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The aim of this study was to visualize the fluid dynamics in a root canal model during Er:YAG laser-activated irrigation. After high-speed imaging together with particle image velocimetry (PIV) in a transparent canal, an analysis was conducted using fluid-analysis software. The laser was irradiated in canals of two different sizes and using laser tips with two different diameters, under the following conditions : group 1, canal size #80 ＋ tip size 200 µm ; group 2, canal size #80 ＋ tip size 400 µm ; group 3, canal size #140 ＋ tip size 200 µm ; and group 4, canal size #140 ＋ tip size 400 µm. The tip was located 15 mm from the bottom of the canal. The ratio of areas where active flow occurred in the canal decreased in order of group 2,

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