Comparison of antibacterial activity of diode laser 980 nm and double antibiotic paste during regenerative endodontic therapy of mature necrotic teeth

Aim: This study compared the antibacterial effect of diode laser and double antibiotic paste (DAP) on the response of mature teeth with necrotic pulp and apical periodontitis to regenerative endodontic therapy (RET) in a dog model.

Methodology: Pulp necrosis and periapical pathosis were induced in 30 mature double rooted premolars in three mongrel dogs aged between 2 to 3 years. These teeth were classified according to the method of root disinfection into three equal groups (10 teeth each), group I: DAP; group II: diode laser (DL) 980 nm and group III: without disinfection (control). Bacterial samples were collected before and after one month of disinfection. The colony forming unit (CFU) and percent of reduction in colony count (%RCC) were evaluated. Revascularization techniques were performed using induction of bleeding and platelet rich fibrin (PRF). The pulp chamber was sealed with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and the coronal cavities were filled with glass ionomer cement. Statistical analysis was done utilizing ANOVA, Tukey’s post hoc and paired t tests.

Results: The highest mean value of CFU was recorded in the control group followed by group I and group II. The difference in CFU between before and after treatment within each group was statistically significant (P≤0.05). Group II showed the highest %RCC, followed by group I, while the control group showed a percent increase. Percentage of RCC was statistically significant between all groups (P≤0.05).

Conclusion: Diode laser 980 nm exhibited more antibacterial effect than double antibiotic paste during regenerative endodontic therapy of mature necrotic teeth in a dog model.