Objectives: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of shockwave-enhanced emission photoacoustic streaming (SWEEPS) plus antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) using indocyanine green (ICG) for the elimination of Enterococcus faecalis biofilm from infected root canals.
Materials and methods: thirty sound human single-canal teeth were chosen and standardized to have 12 mm of root length. The root canals were shaped and prepared by means of ProTaper rotary files. After sterilization of the teeth, the canals were inoculated with E. faecalis for 2 weeks. The teeth were then randomly divided into six groups (n = five) of control, ICG, ICG + 808 nm diode laser, ICG + SWEEPS, ICG + 808 nm diode laser + SWEEPS, and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Following treatment, the number of colony-forming units (CFUs)/mL were calculated for each group. Statistical analysis was carried out using one-way ANOVA. For multiple comparisons, Tukey's test was used as the post hoc test.
Results: NaOCl alone showed the highest efficacy (p < 0.001). The ICG + 808 nm diode laser + SWEEPS group displayed significantly lower amounts of bacteria than either the ICG + 808 nm diode laser or SWEEPS (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference detected between the ICG + 808 nm diode laser and ICG + SWEEPS (p = 0.035).
Conclusions: SWEEPS can effectively increase the photosensitizer distribution in the root canal space, and its application along with irrigants can bring about promising results.
Keywords: Enterococcus faecalis; Er:YAG laser; SWEEPS; antimicrobial photodynamic therapy; biofilms; disinfection; hypochlorite sodium; indocyanine green.