Bactericidal Effects of Diode Laser Irradiation onEnterococcus faecalisUsing Periapical Lesion Defect Model

摘要

Objective. Photodynamic therapy has been expanded for use in endodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial effects of diode laser irradiation on endodontic pathogens in periapical lesions using anin vitroapical lesion model.Study Design.Enterococcus faecalisin 0.5% semisolid agar with a photosensitizer was injected into apical lesion area ofin vitroapical lesion model. The direct effects of irradiation with a diode laser as well as heat produced by irradiation on the viability of microorganisms in the lesions were analyzed.Results. The viability ofE. faecaliswas significantly reduced by the combination of a photosensitizer and laser irradiation. The temperature caused by irradiation rose, however, there were no cytotoxic effects of heat on the viability ofE. faecalis.Conclusion. Our results suggest that utilization of a diode laser in combination with a photosensitizer may be useful for clinical treatment of periapical lesions.