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Laser-Activated Irrigation (LAI)

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Lasers in Endodontics

Abstract

The complex anatomy of the root canal system and the limited penetration depth of the commonly used irrigants into the dentine limit the ability to clean, debride and disinfect three-dimensionally and completely the root canal system. Erbium family lasers represent the cutting-edge technology for the activation of irrigants in endodontics. LAI is introduced here, emphasising all the different techniques proposed. The mechanism of LAI and all the conditions that influence LAI efficiency and safety are described including the wavelength to use, the energy, the pulse duration and pulse frequency, tip design and tip position into the canal or in the pulp chamber. Studies on applications of LAI for smear layer removal and canal decontamination are fully debated.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. InLaser Rome – Advanced Center for Esthetic and Laser Dentistry, Rome, Italy

    Giovanni Olivi MD, DDS

  2. Department of Restorative Dentistry and Endodontology, Ghent Dental Laser Centre, Ghent Dental Photonics Research Clustre, BIOMAD, Dental School, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

    Roeland J. G. De Moor DDS, MSc, PhD

Authors
  1. Giovanni Olivi MD, DDS
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  2. Roeland J. G. De Moor DDS, MSc, PhD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Giovanni Olivi MD, DDS .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. InLaser Rome, Advanced Center for Esthetic and Laser Dentistry, Rome, Italy

    Giovanni Olivi

  2. Restorative Dentistry and Endodontology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

    Roeland De Moor

  3. Arizona School of Dentistryand Oral Health, Mesa, Arizona, USA

    Enrico DiVito

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Olivi, G., De Moor, R.J.G. (2016). Laser-Activated Irrigation (LAI). In: Olivi, G., De Moor, R., DiVito, E. (eds) Lasers in Endodontics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-19327-4_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-19327-4_10

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-19326-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-19327-4

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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