SWEEPS Versus PIPS Modes for Clearing Root Canal Bacteria

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

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.

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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.

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

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

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.

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