Erbium lasers in apical surgery: a literature overview followed by reporting of clinical findings

Both traditional and contemporary methods of apical surgery are good options for managing periapical pathologies, particularly when conservative treatments have proven ineffective. The application of erbium lasers in apical surgery is a promising approach for improving endodontic procedures. Minimally invasive methods that guarantee an effective view during operation and reduced levels of discomfort are increasingly being demanded by surgeons. The aim of this review is to thoroughly examine the effectiveness, benefits, constraints, and upcoming developments regarding the use of erbium lasers in apical surgery.

A comprehensive search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines to identify relevant literature from electronic databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library. The search encompassed publications from January 1990 to December 2023. Keywords and medical subject headings (MeSH) terms, such as “erbium lasers”, “apical surgery”, and “endodontic surgery”, were combined using Boolean operators.

The search yielded 249 results. After removing duplicates and excluding studies that did not meet the inclusion criteria, 14 studies were included in this review.

Erbium laser technology has potential for apical surgery because of its various advantages, such as precise cuttability, reduced thermal damage, and efficient haemostasis. While further exploration and clinical studies are warranted to validate the long-term efficacy of this approach and to compare it to conventional methods, the current evidence suggests that erbium lasers are a valuable tool for enhancing the precision and outcomes of apical surgeries.