Prof. dr. Roeland De Moor (MSc Paediatric Dentistry & Traumatology) (MSc in Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry) is ordinary full professor at the Ghent University (UGent – Belgium), head of the research cluster of the Section of Endodontics / Department of Oral Health Sciences, director of the three-year Master after Master programme in Endodontics.
The research of his group is focussed on root canal cleaning and disinfection a.o. with laser activated irrigation and light activated nanoparticles, the use of lasers and light in endodontics such as Laser Doppler Flow Metry and dental laser bleaching. Research is also conducted in the field of endodontic quality, minimal invasive restorative and endodontic techniques, the use of bioactive materials in endodontics and the build-up of root canal treated teeth.
His referral based clinical practice (GDLC – Gent Dental Laser Centre) is focused on second and third line (paediatric) endodontics, dental traumatology, judicial orofacial damage assessment and dental laser bleaching.
He gives lectures worldwide on the use of light and lasers in endodontics, root canal irrigation and disinfection, on dental laser bleaching, and on the application of nanotechnology for endodontic purposes.
He is (co)author of more than 150 international peer reviewed articles. He has published 20 book chapters and (co)-edited three books. He is also member of the editorial board of the International Endodontic Journal, Journal of Endodontics, Journal of Adhesive Dentistry.

Laser-activated irrigation. On how the “power of the bubble” does make the difference in endodontic irrigation

Laser-activated irrigation (LAI) with Erbium lasers was marketed in 2009. This approach is based on the creation of expanding and imploding cavitation bubbles in the irrigation solution, resulting in three-dimensional spreading and agitation of the fluid in the root canal system. Hence, it is a powerful approach to clean and disinfect root canals. From activation with the fiber in the root canal, we evolved to the use of the laser tip positioned in the pulp chamber. Originally, the fiber was positioned in the root canal and moved up and down. Together with the development of super short pulses (50 µsec) a new approach was launched in 2013. A double pulse modality was introduced in 2018 with the goal to enhance the disinfecting and activating efficacy of SSP (super short pulse) laser-assisted activation (PIPS). This SWEEPS (Shock Wave Enhanced Emission Photoacoustic Streaming) approach consists of delivering a subsequent laser pulse into the liquid at an optimal time when the initial bubble is in the final phase of its collapse.

During this presentation the differences between the different approaches is clarified, the impact on and differences in their efficacy are demonstrated with high-speed imaging, and new insights on how LAI interacts with the biofilm are shared. Furthermore, data are also provided on how this technology can outperform conventional irrigant activation techniques.

On-line: Laser-activated irrigation. On how the “power of the bubble” does make the difference in endodontic irrigation

Since the beginning of this century, an evolution in the application of endodontic irrigation solutions has taken place. Different devices to activate irrigants have been proposed and marketed. Protocols for activation of endodontic irrigants were launched and investigated. There is the general sense that increased agitation of irrigants inevitably results in better root canal cleaning and disinfection. In a recent, not yet published systematic review, we came to the conclusion that it is almost impossible to compare the efficacy of sonic versus ultrasonic irrigation, taking into account recommended inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Studies on Laser-Activated Irrigation (LAI) based on erbium laser induced cavitation demonstrate the superiority over conventional approaches (sonically and ultrasonically activated irrigation). With more in-depth investigations on fluid streaming the working mechanism of all these systems became clear. Apparently, there is a difference in the level of acoustic streaming and in the type and impact of cavitation.

During this presentation insight is given in the working mechanism and efficacy of irrigant agitation techniques, and we show how flow matters supported by high-speed images. Another aim is to highlight how laser use, though depending on the wavelength, can make the difference with the current non-laser-based cleaning and disinfection protocols and finally may satisfy the needs of modern endodontics.