Efficacy of 980 nm Diode Laser Versus Ultrasonic Activation in Root Canal Disinfection Against Enterococcus faecalis: A Comparative In Vitro Study

Background This study aimed to evaluate the decontamination efficacy of a 980 nm diode laser against Enterococcus faecalis in comparison with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) activated with the passive ultrasonic technique (pui). Methods Thirty-nine single-rooted teeth were instrumented and then inoculated with E. faecalis for 4 weeks to form mature biofilms. The specimens were randomly assigned into 3 groups: the control group (n = 7, no treatment), Diode Laser (n = 16, 1W, 980 nm, pulsed mode), Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI) with 5.25% NaOCl (n = 16). Bacterial samples were collected before and after the interventions, and colony-forming units (CFUs) were counted. Results Both experimental interventions showed a significant reduction in bacterial counts compared to the control group (P < 0.001). The Diode Laser (92.30%), PUI + NaOCl (88.97%). The diode laser alone was significantly more effective than ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI) (P < 0.05). Conclusions The diode laser 980 nm demonstrated a greater antibacterial impact than (PUI) with5.25% NaOCl. However, 5.25% NaOCl was still successful in reducing bacteria, and the two methods are effective.