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Effect of Laser Activated Sodium Hypochlorite on Sealing Ability of Two Endodontic Sealers Using Stereomicroscope-An In vitro Study

MetadataDetails
Publication Date2021-01-01
JournalOpen Access Journal of Dental Sciences
AuthorsKiranmayi Govula
InstitutionsNarayana Dental College and Hospital
Citations1
AnalysisFull AI Review Included

Technical Documentation & Analysis: Laser-Activated NaOCl in Endodontics

Section titled “Technical Documentation & Analysis: Laser-Activated NaOCl in Endodontics”

This document analyzes the requirements for high-performance 980 nm diode laser systems, as demonstrated in the study “Effect of Laser Activated Sodium Hypochlorite on Sealing Ability of Two Endodontic Sealers,” and outlines how 6CCVD’s advanced MPCVD diamond materials provide critical thermal management solutions for replicating and advancing this technology.


The research validates the superior efficacy of laser-activated sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in endodontic procedures, demonstrating a significant reduction in microleakage compared to conventional irrigation. This application relies on high-power, pulsed 980 nm diode lasers, creating a critical need for advanced thermal management solutions.

  • Core Achievement: Laser activation of NaOCl significantly improves the sealing ability of root canal sealers by enhancing dentin permeability and removing the smear layer.
  • Key Technology: A 980 nm Diode Laser operating at 1.5 W Peak Power and 15 Hz frequency was used to achieve localized heating of the irrigant solution.
  • Thermal Requirement: Maintaining stable performance and longevity of high-power diode laser arrays requires materials with exceptional thermal conductivity (k).
  • 6CCVD Value Proposition: MPCVD Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) and Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) offer thermal conductivity up to 2000 W/m·K, making them the ideal heat spreader and heat sink material for the 980 nm laser packages used in this medical device application.
  • Performance Metrics: The laser-activated group (A1) achieved the lowest vertical dye penetration (4.63 ± 0.35 units), confirming the clinical significance of the laser system’s stable output.
  • Material Recommendation: 6CCVD recommends Thermal Grade SCD or high-purity PCD substrates for integration into the laser diode packaging to ensure optimal heat dissipation and frequency stability.

The following parameters define the operational requirements and performance metrics achieved by the laser system utilized in the study:

ParameterValueUnitContext
Laser Wavelength980nmNear-infrared spectrum, ideal for tissue interaction and heating NaOCl
Laser TypeDiodeN/AUsed in a fiber-coupled system
Emission ModeContinuousN/AUsed during the 20 sec irradiation cycle
Peak Power1.5WattsMaximum power output during pulse
Average Power0.7WattsAverage power delivered during the cycle
Frequency15HzPulse repetition rate
Duty Cycle50%Indicates high thermal load on the diode junction
Vertical Leakage (Best)4.63 ± 0.35UnitsGroup A1 (Laser Activated NaOCl + Bioceramic Sealer)
Vertical Leakage (Worst)8.57 ± 0.81UnitsGroup B2 (NaOCl + AH Plus Sealer)
Horizontal Leakage (Best)20.01 ± 2.00UnitsGroup A1 (Measured at 2 mm from apex)
Magnification30×N/AStereomicroscope magnification for microleakage analysis

The experimental design highlights specific requirements for laser delivery and material handling, which inform the engineering specifications for the diode laser system:

  1. Sample Preparation: Forty extracted human single-rooted permanent teeth were decoronated 12 mm from the apex and instrumented to an 11 mm working length using Rotary Pro taper files up to F3.
  2. Irrigation Protocol: Teeth were divided into four groups (n=10): Laser activated NaOCl (Groups A1, A2) and standard NaOCl (Groups B1, B2).
  3. Laser Application: A 980 nm diode laser was introduced into the canal via a fiber-coupled system until the apical region.
  4. Irradiation Cycle: The laser was activated and withdrawn using a helicoidal movement for a total irradiation cycle of 20 seconds.
  5. Obturation: Lateral condensation technique was used with either Bioceramic Sealer (Bio root RCS) or AH Plus sealer.
  6. Leakage Assessment: Samples were stored in 1% methylene blue dye for 72 hours. Roots were split longitudinally, and dye penetration depth (microleakage) was examined under a stereomicroscope at 30× magnification.
  7. Performance Mechanism: The diode laser increases the temperature of the low-concentration NaOCl solution (below 55°C), enhancing tissue dissolution capacity and dentin permeability by removing the smear layer.

The successful implementation of laser-activated irrigation relies on the stability and efficiency of the 980 nm diode laser source. High-power, pulsed operation (1.5 W Peak Power, 50% Duty Cycle) generates significant waste heat, which must be managed by high-performance heat spreaders to prevent wavelength shift, power degradation, and premature failure.

6CCVD specializes in providing the highest thermal conductivity materials necessary for medical and industrial laser packaging:

6CCVD MaterialApplication FocusKey Advantage
Thermal Grade SCDHigh-Power Laser Diode Arrays, SubmountsThermal conductivity up to 2000 W/m·K. Essential for maintaining precise 980 nm wavelength stability under high-frequency pulsing.
High-Purity PCDLarge-Area Heat Spreaders, SubstratesExcellent thermal conductivity (>1000 W/m·K) for larger laser packages (up to 125 mm wafers). Cost-effective alternative to SCD for high-volume manufacturing.
Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD)Electrodes, Sensors (Not Primary Thermal)While not the primary thermal solution, BDD can be used in electrochemical sensing components integrated into advanced irrigation systems.

6CCVD’s in-house capabilities directly address the engineering requirements for manufacturing robust 980 nm diode laser modules:

  • Custom Dimensions: We supply diamond plates and wafers in custom sizes, including large-area PCD up to 125 mm, ideal for complex laser diode array packaging and heat sinks.
  • Precision Thickness: SCD and PCD layers can be grown to precise thicknesses (0.1 ”m to 500 ”m) to optimize thermal resistance profiles for specific laser chip designs. Substrates up to 10 mm are available for bulk heat sinking.
  • Advanced Metalization: We offer internal metalization services (Au, Pt, Pd, Ti, W, Cu) crucial for reliable bonding of the diamond heat spreader to the laser chip and the underlying submount. This ensures low thermal and electrical contact resistance.
  • Ultra-Low Roughness Polishing: SCD surfaces can be polished to Ra < 1 nm, providing an atomically smooth interface necessary for high-quality eutectic bonding of laser chips.

6CCVD’s in-house PhD team provides expert consultation on thermal design optimization. We assist laser manufacturers in selecting the optimal diamond grade and geometry to manage the high thermal flux generated by 980 nm diode lasers, ensuring maximum efficiency and stability for similar Laser-Activated Irrigation projects.

For custom specifications or material consultation, visit 6ccvd.com or contact our engineering team directly.

View Original Abstract

Introduction: The combination of various irrigants, irrigation techniques along with root canal sealers helps in achieving a three-dimensional seal in root canals, which is of clinical relevance. The present in-vitro study aims to assess and compare the efficacy of laser-activated NaOCl on the sealing ability of two endodontic sealers. Materials and Methods: Forty extracted human single-rooted permanent teeth were collected and decoronated 12 mm from their apices. Instrumentation did with an 11 mm working length using Rotary Pro taper files to F3. All the teeth grouped into four (n= 10) based on irrigation protocol and sealer used as follows: Group A1 - Laser activated NaOCl + AH Plus Group A2 - Laser activated NaOCl +nano seal, Group B1 - NaOCl + AH Plus, Group B2 - NaOCl + nano seal. The lateral condensation technique did obturation. Roots stored in freshly prepared 1% methylene blue for 72 hours. The roots were split longitudinally along the long axis using a diamond disc underwater coolant, and markings made at 2, 4, and 6 mm from the apex. The depth of dye penetration and microleakage examined under a stereomicroscope (Magnus) at 30× magnification. Results: Statistical analysis carried out by using the software, statistical package for social sciences [SPSS]. Results represented in the form of minimum, mean, and standard deviation. Conclusion: The laser-activated NaOCl group exhibited better sealing ability than the control group. Among the two sealers, the Bio root RCS sealer showed less leakage & better sealing ability than AH plus Clinical Significance: Increasing the temperature of low concentration sodium hypochlorite solution by the action of the diode laser, not only enhances its immediate tissue dissolution capacity but also increased the dentin permeability by removing the smear layer. Further leading to better adhesion between the root canal sealer and the gutta-percha with the radicular dentin.