Analysis of the morphology and composition of tooth apices apicectomizedusing three different ablation techniques

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To investigate apicectomies performed using burs, a CO2 laser or an ErYAG laser and to evaluate thefollowing aspects morphology of apicectomized surfaces, presence of failures at the dentin/obturation materialinterface (marginal fit) of the apical portions of the root canals, and the proportions of chemical elements in theapicectomized surfaces.Study design: Twenty-four teeth were divided into three groups of eight and each group underwent apicectomy byone of three different ablation techniques bur, CO2 laser or ErYAG laser. The morphology of the apicectomizedsurfaces was then analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and their chemical composition was analyzed byenergy dispersive spectroscopy.Results: Surfaces produced with ablation by bur exhibited less surface irregularities and better marginal fit, whileablation with the CO2 laser caused intense surface carbonization and failures in obturation material fit.Conclusions: Our results suggest that, taking into consideration their clinical application, ablation of tooth apicesusing burs proved to be the best option among those tested here (AU)