The complete removal of obturation materials from root canals is an important factor for successful endodontic retreatment. Many devices and techniques have been introduced for improving the removal of root fillings. A laser is one of the most effective devices. The application of different types of laser devices such as erbium: yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG), erbium chromium: yttrium scandium gallium garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG), neodymium-doped: yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG), and neodymium-doped: yttrium aluminum perovskite (Nd:YAP) can effectively remove obturation materials and canal medicaments from the root canal system. However, regardless of the type of laser, these devices have some disadvantages when using them in the root canals. Thermal effects such as carbonization areas and partial dissolution in the gutta-percha and dentine have been observed after laser applications. Unfortunately, none of the retreatment protocols or laser types was able to remove the remnants of filling materials completely from the root canal system. This review was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of different laser devices in removing obturation materials and medicaments from the root canal system.
Keywords: Filling materials, laser, removal, retreatment, root canal