---
title: Disinfection of Root Canals with Photon-Initiated Photoacoustic Streaming
description: Explore the groundbreaking advancements in root canal disinfection with photon-initiated photoacoustic streaming, a technique that promises superior results in dental care.
image: https://www.nationaldental.com/hubfs/The%20image%20depicts%20a%20close-up%20view%20of%20a%20dental%20procedure%20in%20progress%2c%20focusing%20on%20a%20single-rooted%20human%20tooth%20that%20has%20been%20split%20longitudinally%20to%20reveal%20its%20internal%20structure.%20The%20tooth%20is%20positioned%20under%20a%20stereomicroscope%2c%20showcasing%20a.jpg
---

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# Disinfection of Root Canals with Photon-Initiated Photoacoustic Streaming

[ National Dental Innovations ](https://www.nationaldental.com/fotona-case-studies/author/national-dental-innovations) Jun 10, 2025 3:12:31 PM

![](https://www.nationaldental.com/hubfs/The%20image%20depicts%20a%20close-up%20view%20of%20a%20dental%20procedure%20in%20progress%2c%20focusing%20on%20a%20single-rooted%20human%20tooth%20that%20has%20been%20split%20longitudinally%20to%20reveal%20its%20internal%20structure.%20The%20tooth%20is%20positioned%20under%20a%20stereomicroscope%2c%20showcasing%20a.jpg)

### Contents

[Jun 10, 2025 3:12:39 PM

Disinfection Efficacy of Photon-Induced Photoacoustic Streaming on Root Canals Infected with E. Faecalis

](https://www.nationaldental.com/fotona-case-studies/disinfection-efficacy-of-photon-induced-photoacoustic-streaming-on-root-canals-infected-with-enterococcus-faecalis-an-ex-vivo-study) [Jun 10, 2025 3:12:32 PM

Effect of Photon-Initiated Photoacoustic Streaming on Removal of Apically Placed Dentinal Debris

](https://www.nationaldental.com/fotona-case-studies/effect-of-photon-initiated-photoacoustic-streaming-on-removal-of-apically-placed-dentinal-debris) [Jun 10, 2025 3:12:40 PM

Effectiveness of Photon-Initiated Photoacoustic Streaming in Root Canal Models with Different Diameters or Tapers

](https://www.nationaldental.com/fotona-case-studies/effectiveness-of-photon-initiated-photoacoustic-streaming-in-root-canal-models-with-different-diameters-or-tapers)

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*Explore the groundbreaking advancements in root canal disinfection with photon-initiated photoacoustic streaming, a technique that promises superior results in dental care.*

Authors: Peters OA, Bardsley S, Fong J, Pandher G, Divito E

Journal: Journal of Endodontics

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of three different methods for root canal disinfection: photon-initiated photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) using a pulsed erbium:YAG laser, passive ultrasonic activation, and conventional irrigation. The focus was to determine which method was most effective in reducing bacterial counts and ensuring thorough disinfection of the root canal system.

## Materials and Methods

- Seventy human premolars were prepared, sterilized, and contaminated with oral bacteria in situ for one week, then incubated for two more weeks.
- Three groups: 
    - Conventional irrigation with 6% NaOCl
    - Ultrasonic activation of NaOCl
    - PIPS with pulsed Er:YAG laser (nonablative settings)
- Irrigation was performed for 60 seconds.
- Bacterial reduction was assessed by sampling and culturing, and histologic sections at 1 mm and 4 mm from the apex were stained and evaluated for remaining bacteria and biofilm.

Key Results

- All three methods significantly reduced bacterial counts.
- PIPS produced more negative bacterial samples and left less apical bacteria/biofilm than ultrasonic or conventional irrigation (P < .05).
- None of the techniques completely eliminated bacteria from the apical third or dentinal tubules.

## Conclusion

Laser-activated irrigation with PIPS was superior to ultrasonic and conventional irrigation in reducing apical bacteria and biofilm, but none of the methods achieved complete disinfection of the apical third and dentinal tubules.

 

[ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE HERE](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21689561/)

[Scientific Study](https://www.nationaldental.com/fotona-case-studies/tag/scientific-study) [Endodontics](https://www.nationaldental.com/fotona-case-studies/tag/endodontics)

[Jun 10, 2025 3:12:39 PM

Disinfection Efficacy of Photon-Induced Photoacoustic Streaming on Root Canals Infected with E. Faecalis

](https://www.nationaldental.com/fotona-case-studies/disinfection-efficacy-of-photon-induced-photoacoustic-streaming-on-root-canals-infected-with-enterococcus-faecalis-an-ex-vivo-study) [Jun 10, 2025 3:12:32 PM

Effect of Photon-Initiated Photoacoustic Streaming on Removal of Apically Placed Dentinal Debris

](https://www.nationaldental.com/fotona-case-studies/effect-of-photon-initiated-photoacoustic-streaming-on-removal-of-apically-placed-dentinal-debris) [Jun 10, 2025 3:12:40 PM

Effectiveness of Photon-Initiated Photoacoustic Streaming in Root Canal Models with Different Diameters or Tapers

](https://www.nationaldental.com/fotona-case-studies/effectiveness-of-photon-initiated-photoacoustic-streaming-in-root-canal-models-with-different-diameters-or-tapers)

[Next

Effect of Photon-Initiated Photoacoustic Streaming on Removal of Apically Placed Dentinal Debris

](https://www.nationaldental.com/fotona-case-studies/effect-of-photon-initiated-photoacoustic-streaming-on-removal-of-apically-placed-dentinal-debris)

## Leave a Comment

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