---
title: SWEEPS Versus PIPS Modes for Clearing Root Canal Bacteria
description: Discover the groundbreaking comparison between SWEEPS and PIPS in root canal disinfection and their efficacy in eliminating harmful bacteria.
image: https://www.nationaldental.com/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-06-30%20at%203.26.53%20PM.png
---

[Skip to content](https://www.nationaldental.com/fotona-case-studies/shock-wave-enhanced-emission-photoacoustic-streaming-versus-photon-induced-photoacoustic-streaming-modes-for-clearing-root-canal-bacteria#main-content)

This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached.

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

#### Stay informed on the latest dental innovations and educational programs

![Close-Icon](https://www.nationaldental.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Close-Icon.png?width=100&height=100&name=Close-Icon.png)

# SWEEPS Versus PIPS Modes for Clearing Root Canal Bacteria

[ National Dental Innovations ](https://www.nationaldental.com/fotona-case-studies/author/national-dental-innovations) Jun 10, 2025 3:12:33 PM

![](https://www.nationaldental.com/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-06-30%20at%203.26.53%20PM.png)

### Contents

[Jun 10, 2025 3:12:34 PM

Enhanced Removal of E. faecalis Biofilms in the Root Canal Using NaOCl Plus PIPS

](https://www.nationaldental.com/fotona-case-studies/enhanced-removal-of-e.-faecalis-biofilms-in-the-root-canal-using-sodium-hypochlorite-plus-pips) [Jun 10, 2025 3:12:38 PM

Reaction Rate of NaOCl in Contact with Bovine Dentine: Effect of Activation, Exposure Time, Concentration, and pH

](https://www.nationaldental.com/fotona-case-studies/reaction-rate-of-naocl-in-contact-with-bovine-dentine-effect-of-activation-exposure-time-concentration-and-ph) [Jun 10, 2025 3:12:35 PM

PIPS Outperforms Traditional Irrigation in Complex Canal Systems

](https://www.nationaldental.com/fotona-case-studies/pips-outperforms-traditional-irrigation-in-complex-canal-systems)

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

*Discover the groundbreaking comparison between SWEEPS and PIPS in root canal disinfection and their efficacy in eliminating harmful bacteria.*

**Authors**: Xiao-Na Wang, Jing Shi  
**Journal**: Research Article (Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital)

Objective

To compare the efficacy of shock wave-enhanced emission photoacoustic streaming (SWEEPS) and photon-induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) modes in Er:YAG lasers for eliminating *Enterococcus faecalis* biofilms from narrow root canals.

Materials and Methods

- **Samples**: 130 distal/palatal roots of extracted human molars.
- **Preparation**: Smear layer removed via conventional preparation; samples sterilized and infected with *E. faecalis* for 4 weeks.
- **Groups**:
  
    - SWEEPS + 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)
    - PIPS + 3% NaOCl
    - 3% NaOCl alone (control).
- **Analysis**:
  
    - Bacterial clearance assessed via colony-forming unit (CFU) counts.
    - Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluated residual bacteria.

Key Results

- **CFU counts**: SWEEPS achieved significantly lower bacterial counts than PIPS and the control group (*P* < 0.05).
- **SEM imaging**: SWEEPS-treated canals showed minimal bacterial remnants, outperforming PIPS and NaOCl alone.
- **Efficacy hierarchy**: SWEEPS > PIPS > NaOCl alone, aligning with studies highlighting SWEEPS’ enhanced irrigant penetration.

Conclusion

SWEEPS demonstrated superior biofilm eradication compared to PIPS, likely due to its ability to generate stronger shockwaves that enhance irrigant distribution in narrow canals. These findings support SWEEPS as a promising advancement in endodontic disinfection protocols, particularly for anatomically complex root canals.

[ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE HERE](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340185172_Shock_wave-enhanced_emission_photoacoustic_streaming_versus_photon-induced_photoacoustic_streaming_modes_for_clearing_root_canal_bacteria_using_erbium-doped_yttrium_aluminum_garnet_lasers_An_in_vitro_)

![SWEEPS AND PIPS TIPS](https://20651098.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20651098/hubfs/Documents%20for%20Service/SWEEPS%20AND%20PIPS%20TIPS.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=SWEEPS%20AND%20PIPS%20TIPS.png)

**1** SWEEPS and PIPS fiber tips. a The fiber tip of SWEEPS has a diameter of 0.60 mm, a length of 12 mm, and a flat end. b The fiber tip of PIPS has a diameter of 0.60 mm, a length of 9 mm, and a tapered end.

![Screenshot 2025-06-10 at 1.13.33 PM](https://20651098.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20651098/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-06-10%20at%201.13.33%20PM.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Screenshot%202025-06-10%20at%201.13.33%20PM.png)

**2** A scanning electron microscopy image shows elimination of the smear layer in the middle canal (×1000 magnification).

![Screenshot 2025-06-10 at 1.13.58 PM](https://20651098.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20651098/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-06-10%20at%201.13.58%20PM.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Screenshot%202025-06-10%20at%201.13.58%20PM.png)

**3** Scanning electron microscopy images show a successfully established Enterococcus faecalis biofilm at a ×2000 magnification and b ×5000 magnification.

![Screenshot 2025-06-10 at 1.14.51 PM](https://20651098.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20651098/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-06-10%20at%201.14.51%20PM.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Screenshot%202025-06-10%20at%201.14.51%20PM.png)

**4** Scanning electron microscopy images of the middle root canals show the bacterial clearance effects with three modes. a Er:YAG laser activation using the SWEEPS mode (×5000 magnification). The Enterococcus faecalis biofilm is almost completely removed. b Er:YAG laser activation using the PIPS mode (×5000 magnification). Some residual bacteria are present in the root canal. c No laser activation (×5000 magnification). A large number of bacteria can be seen in the root canal.

![Default image alt text](//7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/7528302/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/slider-light-image.jpg)

**5** An optional caption for the image that will be added to the gallery. Enter any descriptive text for this image that you would like visitors to be able to read.

[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 3:12:34 PM

Enhanced Removal of E. faecalis Biofilms in the Root Canal Using NaOCl Plus PIPS

](https://www.nationaldental.com/fotona-case-studies/enhanced-removal-of-e.-faecalis-biofilms-in-the-root-canal-using-sodium-hypochlorite-plus-pips) [Jun 10, 2025 3:12:38 PM

Reaction Rate of NaOCl in Contact with Bovine Dentine: Effect of Activation, Exposure Time, Concentration, and pH

](https://www.nationaldental.com/fotona-case-studies/reaction-rate-of-naocl-in-contact-with-bovine-dentine-effect-of-activation-exposure-time-concentration-and-ph) [Jun 10, 2025 3:12:35 PM

PIPS Outperforms Traditional Irrigation in Complex Canal Systems

](https://www.nationaldental.com/fotona-case-studies/pips-outperforms-traditional-irrigation-in-complex-canal-systems)

[Previous

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)

[Next

Enhanced Removal of E. faecalis Biofilms in the Root Canal Using NaOCl Plus PIPS

](https://www.nationaldental.com/fotona-case-studies/enhanced-removal-of-e.-faecalis-biofilms-in-the-root-canal-using-sodium-hypochlorite-plus-pips)

## Leave a Comment

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "dateModified" : "2024-10-01",
  "datePublished" : "2024-10-01",
  "headline" : "SWEEPS Versus PIPS Modes for Clearing Root Canal Bacteria",
  "image" : [ "https://20651098.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20651098/Screenshot%202025-06-30%20at%203.26.53%20PM.png" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://www.nationaldental.com/fotona-case-studies/shock-wave-enhanced-emission-photoacoustic-streaming-versus-photon-induced-photoacoustic-streaming-modes-for-clearing-root-canal-bacteria",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  }
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "National Dental Innovations",
    "url" : "https://www.nationaldental.com/fotona-case-studies/author/national-dental-innovations"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-06-30T19:27:52.090Z",
  "datePublished" : "2025-06-10T19:12:33.000Z",
  "headline" : "SWEEPS Versus PIPS Modes for Clearing Root Canal Bacteria",
  "image" : [ "https://www.nationaldental.com/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-06-30%20at%203.26.53%20PM.png" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://www.nationaldental.com/fotona-case-studies/shock-wave-enhanced-emission-photoacoustic-streaming-versus-photon-induced-photoacoustic-streaming-modes-for-clearing-root-canal-bacteria",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://www.nationaldental.com/hubfs/2019%20ND%20Innovations%20logo%20PMS%200819C-02.jpg"
    },
    "name" : "National Dental Innovations"
  }
}
```