Confocal laser microscopy

Abstract

Recently, confocal laser microscopy has been introduced in the field of endodontics. On one hand, we can carry out a complete analysis of bacterial biofilms, and subsequent treatment of the obtained images by observing the bacterial spatial arrangement in a complicated network such as a root canal system. By using fluorochromes, we can analyze and semiquantify the number of live and dead bacteria, and the distribution of viable and non-viable cells throughout the biofilm after using our antimicrobial irrigants. On the other hand, with the possibility of being able to mix the sealer with fluorochromes, confocal laser microscopy is also useful in the dentin-cement interface study, to evaluate the sealer’s penetration into dentinal tubules permitting the observation of the cleaning effectiveness of irrigants and the sealing capacity of the different obturation techniques. Finally, we can study the characteristics and morphology of root-end cavities in microendodontic surgery using different preparation techniques, such as laser and ultrasound.