Efficient Effective Endodontics Research Program

Endodontic treatment involves chemical, physical and antimicrobial processes to render the root canal system free of infection.

Research Theme: Biomaterials and Advanced Technology 

Program Leader: Professor Laurie Walsh

Program Summary
The EEE (“Triple E”) research program falls within the “Dental Biomaterials and Advanced Technologies” research theme of the School, and is focused on the goal of achieving quality biological and mechanical outcomes in endodontic treatment, using improved methods and novel technologies. The research work spans a crown-to-apex approach and addresses the individual phases of treatment, from diagnosis through to final obturation. Current research work in the EEE program is exploring performance of improved biomaterials and medicaments, as well as novel irrigant technologies and the use of pressure waves created by pulsed lasers to improve bacterial killing and smear layer removal in the root canal system.

The work of the group is undertaken primarily in the Biomaterials laboratory located at Turbot St, with additional work undertaken in the advanced imaging facilities at QUT and at the UQ Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, and in testing facilities at the UQ School of Engineering.

Funding
Much of the work of the group has been supported by consulting funds earned by the Group Leader, with additional support from small grants from ADRF and specialist societies. The group has substantial industry connections including global technology licensing of a major family of patents.

Selected Recent Publications
Case PD, Bird PS, Kahler WA, George R, Walsh LJ. Treatment of Root Canal Biofilms of Enterococcus faecalis with Ozone Gas and Passive Ultrasound Activation. J Endod. 2012 Apr;38(4):523-6.
 

Walsh LJ, George R. Surface structure modification. WIPO World patent WO/2010/051579A1; US patent application 20110217665; European Patent Application EP2379341A1.
 

George R, Walsh LJ. Performance assessment of novel side firing safe tips for endodontic applications. J Biomed Opt. 2011 Apr;16(4):048004.
 

Athanassiadis B, Abbott PV, George N, Walsh LJ. In vitro study of the inactivation by dentine of some endodontic medicaments and their bases. Aust Dent J. 2010 Sep;55(3):298-305.
 

George R, Moule AJ, Walsh LJ. A rare case of dens invaginatus in a mandibular canine. Aust Endod J. 2010 Aug;36(2):83-6.
 

Athanassiadis B, Abbott PV, George N, Walsh LJ. An in vitro study of the antimicrobial activity of some endodontic medicaments against Enteroccus faecalis biofilms. Aust Dent J. 2010 Jun;55(2):150-5.
 

Hmud R, Kahler WA, Walsh LJ. Temperature changes accompanying near infrared diode laser endodontic treatment of wet canals. J Endod. 2010 May;36(5):908-11.
 

George R, Walsh LJ. Thermal effects from modified endodontic laser tips used in the apical third of root canals with erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet and erbium, chromium-doped yttrium scandium gallium garnet lasers. Photomed Laser Surg. 2010 Apr;28(2):161-5.
 

Hmud R, Kahler WA, George R, Walsh LJ. Cavitational effects in aqueous endodontic irrigants generated by near-infrared lasers. J Endod. 2010 Feb;36(2):275-8.
 

Ho QV, George R, Sainsbury AL, Kahler WA, Walsh LJ. Laser fluorescence assessment of the root canal using plain and conical optical fibers. J Endod. 2010 Jan;36(1):119-22.
 

Kuzekanani M, Walsh LJ, Yousefi MA. Cleaning and shaping curved root canals: Mtwo vs ProTaper instruments, a lab comparison. Indian J Dent Res. 2009 Jul-Sep;20(3):268-70.
 

Sainsbury AL, Bird PS, Walsh LJ. DIAGNOdent laser fluorescence assessment of endodontic infection. J Endod. 2009 Oct;35(10):1404-7.
 

George R, Walsh LJ. Performance assessment of novel side firing flexible optical fibers for dental applications. Lasers Surg Med. 2009 Mar;41(3):214-21.

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