Using ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LED) to create sterile root canals and to treat endodontic infections. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morio, Kimberly A.; Sternowski, Robert H.; Brogden, Kim A.
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in biomedical engineering. Volume 23(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Biomedical engineering -- Periodicals; 610.28
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2022.100397
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2468-4511

Abstract

Abstract: The oral cavity contains a vast microbiome that forms polymicrobial biofilms on mucosal tissues, enamel, and intraoral appliances. While mechanical and chemical approaches can remove or prevent colonization of these biofilms, they cannot clear infections in submucosal tissues or tooth root canals. Ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LED) have become an attractive supplement to killing microorganisms in these sites and this approach has an application in endodontics. New advances in semiconductor technology, miniaturization of LED bulbs, and fiberoptics now allows for the delivery of UV in specific wavelengths into instrumented canals. In our opinion, treatment of root canals with UV LED may supplement current canal disinfection procedures to kill microorganisms in biofilms along the root canal walls, in small crevices deep in the apical third of the tooth, and in dentine tubules to preserve health and healing of periapical tissues.