Using a laser for disinfecting root canals
A Clinical Use of Er,Cr:YSGG Laser: an Anti-biofilm Treatment
This study is testing if using a laser to clean root canals helps get rid of harmful bacteria better than the usual cleaning method with sodium hypochlorite for people getting routine dental treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT05959629 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to establish a protocol for disinfecting biofilms in root canals using an FDA-approved Er,Cr:YSGG laser. Participants undergoing routine endodontic treatment will be randomized into two groups: one receiving standard sodium hypochlorite irrigation and the other receiving the laser treatment in addition to standard irrigation. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of the laser as an anti-biofilm treatment compared to conventional methods. Clinical assessments, radiographs, and medical histories will be collected to determine eligibility and monitor outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with specific endodontic conditions, including radiographic evidence of periapical radiolucency and sufficient tooth structure for treatment.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of previous endodontic treatment on the tooth or those with certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the effectiveness of root canal treatments by improving disinfection and reducing infection rates.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of lasers in dental treatments is established, this specific application for root canal disinfection is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Provision of signed and dated informed consent form. * Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study. * Male or female (Gender is not an inclusion or exclusion criteria), aged 18 years old or above. * In good general health as evidenced by medical history or non-contributory medical history (Patient can be seen for regular dental appointment in Penn Dental Medicine; American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classes I and II). * Radiographic presence of periapical radiolucency. * Negative response to thermal sensitivity testing (difluorochloromethane at -50 °C, Endo-Ice, Coltène/Whaledent Inc., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio) or electric pulp testing. * Enough tooth structure for adequate isolation with rubber dam. * No history of previous endodontic treatment on the tooth. * Teeth with single canal, 1 distal canal of lower molar, 1 palatal canal of upper molar. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who report they are pregnant. * Teeth affected by dental trauma. * Periodontal changes (pockets 3 mm, mobility I or gingival edema). * Radiographic presence of resorptive processes. * Per the investigator's discretion, unable or unlikely to comply with study procedure. * Presence of any condition which, in the opinion of the investigator, makes participation in the study not in the individual's best interest.
Where this trial is running
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Bekir Karabucak, DMD, MS. — Chair and Professor of Endodontics. Postdoctoral Endodontics Program, Director.
- Study coordinator: Dana Mominkhan, B.D.S
- Email: danakhan@upenn.edu
- Phone: 773-610-2393
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.