Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of an Erbium, Chromium:Yttrium-Scandium-Gallium-Garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser on removing the filling residues and smear layer (SL) after retreatment using rotary files. Background: Er,Cr:YSGG laser has been proposed as an additional protocol to improve root canal cleaning and removal of the filling remnants. Methods: Eighty-four mandibular premolars were divided into six groups (n = 14). Groups 1, 2, and 3 were obturated using a cold lateral compaction technique, and groups 4, 5, and 6 were obturated using a thermoplasticized injectable technique. The retreatment procedures were performed in all of the groups using a rotary system before applying Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 1.5 W for groups 2 and 5, and at 3.0 W for groups 3 and 6. Then, the teeth were split longitudinally into two halves and observed under a stereomicroscope and a scanning electron microscope. The SL and residual filling materials were evaluated at the coronal, middle, and apical thirds of the root canal. The data were statistically analyzed using three-way analysis of variance and Tukey tests. Results: The 3.0 W Er,Cr:YSGG laser was significantly more effective in removing SL than the other retreatment procedures in the coronal and middle thirds, but there was no significant difference in the apical third (p > 0.05). However, carbonization was observed in some of the specimens in the 3.0 W laser groups. Conclusions: None of the retreatment procedures completely removed the filling remnants from the root canal. However, the additional use of lasers improved the canal cleaning after retreatment.
Keywords: Er,Cr:YSGG laser; ProTaper; SEM; obturation technique; retreatment; smear layer.