Enhancing Endodontics with Er:YAG Lasers (A Collaboration with Voxel Dental)

The following is a collaboration article co-written by our sister-company Voxel Dental. For over 30 years, Global has served the endodontic professional community with ergonomic dental microscope and microsurgeon's-chairs.

Our sister-company Voxel specializes in bringing the latest digital tech to market, through comprehensive testing and decades of dental expertise. Voxel came to us very excited by the endodontic market when it comes to digital workflows, particularly with the integration of CBCT, laser equipment and microscopes for enhanced visibility.

In the realm of modern endodontics, precision, disinfection, and visibility are critical to achieving long-term clinical success. With the rise of minimally invasive techniques and advanced dental technologies, the MORITA Er:YAG laser (erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) has emerged as a game-changing tool for root canal therapy.

When paired with Global Surgical dental microscopes, clinicians gain unmatched clarity and control, elevating the standard of care in endodontic procedures.

What Is an Er:YAG Laser?

The Er:YAG laser operates at a wavelength of 2,940 nm, a range that is highly absorbed by both water and hydroxyapatite. This makes it exceptionally effective for hard and soft tissue applications, and particularly beneficial in endodontic treatments.

Unlike traditional rotary instruments or chemical irrigants alone, the Er:YAG laser delivers non-contact, photonic energy that can debride, disinfect, and shape root canals with minimal collateral damage to surrounding tissue.

Key Applications of Er:YAG Lasers in Endodontics

1. Root Canal Disinfection

One of the greatest challenges in endodontics is eliminating bacteria from the complex anatomy of root canal systems. The Er:YAG laser addresses this with:

• Photoacoustic streaming (PIPS/SWEEPS): Using short-pulsed laser energy in the irrigant to create powerful shockwaves that disrupt biofilms.

• Enhanced penetration of irrigants like NaOCl and EDTA into dentinal tubules.

2. Smear Layer Removal

Conventional rotary instrumentation leaves behind a smear layer that can inhibit sealing. Er:YAG lasers:

• Effectively remove the smear layer from canal walls.

• Open dentinal tubules for better obturation adhesion.

3. Apical Cleaning and Disinfection

Er:YAG lasers enable deep apical cleaning without the need for excessive mechanical instrumentation, reducing the risk of over-enlargement or transportation of canals.

4. Endodontic Surgery (Apicoectomy)

In microsurgical procedures, the Er:YAG laser:

• Excises soft tissue with minimal bleeding.

• Smoothly resects root tips with precision.

• Offers superior hemostasis and sterilization of the surgical field.

The Role of Global Dental Microscopes in Laser-Assisted Endodontics

While lasers bring power and precision, visualization remains the cornerstone of success in microsurgical and advanced endodontic procedures.

This is where Global Surgical microscopes become an essential partner. Equipped with a laser filter set, you can continue working with your laser but with the high-powered precision of a dental microscope.

Benefits of Using Global Microscopes with Er:YAG Lasers

Enhanced Magnification and Illumination

• Clinicians can clearly visualize micro-cracks, accessory canals, or calcifications during laser-assisted cleaning.

Precision Targeting

• The laser fiber can be guided under magnification for accurate delivery of energy into specific canal areas, avoiding damage to canal walls or adjacent structures.

Better Ergonomics and Documentation

• Global microscopes offer integrated camera systems for recording procedures, and ergonomic positioning to reduce operator fatigue during complex endodontic treatments.

Why This Collaboration Matters

The combination of Er:YAG laser technology and Global microscopes represents a powerful evolution in endodontic therapy:

• Minimally invasive yet highly effective—preserving tooth structure while maximizing disinfection.

• Clinically validated protocols—like PIPS and SWEEPS—are enhanced with the visual control offered by a surgical microscope.

• Patient-centered benefits—reduced post-operative discomfort, shorter appointments, and improved healing outcomes.

This pairing supports a microscopic, laser-assisted workflow that offers predictable results in both nonsurgical and surgical endodontics.

Clinical Integration: What You Need

To successfully integrate this workflow into your practice:

• Laser system: Choose a high-quality Er:YAG system capable of delivering the short-pulse technology needed for endodontics (e.g., Fotona LightWalker, LiteTouch).

• Global Surgical microscope: Configure with proper magnification levels, LED illumination, and documentation features.

• Laser tips and irrigation protocols: Utilize flexible fiber tips compatible with narrow canals, and incorporate adjunctive irrigants to optimize disinfection.

Training is key—clinicians should pursue certified laser courses and microscopic endodontics workshops to master the synergy between these technologies.

Conclusion: Precision Meets Performance

The future of endodontics is minimally invasive, technology-enhanced, and precision-driven. The use of Er:YAG lasers in combination with Global dental microscopes brings a new level of effectiveness to root canal treatment—one where clinicians can disinfect complex anatomy thoroughly while preserving natural tooth structure.

As more dental professionals seek to elevate their endodontic care, this powerful pairing will continue to grow in adoption—delivering faster healing, fewer failures, and greater confidence in clinical outcomes.

Er:YAG + Global = The New Gold Standard in Endodontic Excellence.

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We have a team of dental technology experts, with specialists in the endo market, ready to help you find the right equipment for your practice. Our sister-company Voxel Dental is a leading MORITA distributor. With this unique offering, we can bring endodontists leading technology in a bundle package never seen before!

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