## 4 Discussion
Using low-pressure plasma in dental applications offers several advantages, such as enhanced control over the plasma parameters (e.g., gas composition, pressure, and power), deeper penetration into complex dental structures, access to confined spaces, and uniform treatments due to the better diffusion of the reactive species [22; 39; 40; 41]. Furthermore, the reduced heat and controlled plasma conditions make low-pressure plasma treatments suitable for treating delicate dental components, such as resin-based composites, polymer-based materials, or dental implants [22; 39; 40; 41]. However, the potential drawbacks of plasma treatments must be carefully considered. Excessive exposure or high-energy plasma can damage the dentin structure, limiting the treatment's effectiveness and durability. Moreover, implementing plasma treatments requires specialized equipment and expertise, which can increase the cost and complexity of dental procedures. Despite these considerations, plasma treatments offer advantages such as enhanced bonding, improved biocompatibility, effective sterilization, and reduced dentin hypersensitivity [34]. Dental professionals should understand the potential benefits and challenges so as to make informed decisions about incorporating plasma treatments into their practice. Plasma treatments offer a promising avenue for enhancing dentin surfaces, and the choice of gas composition (e.g., low-pressure processes) plays a crucial role in determining the treatment outcomes [42]. Gas mixing can lead to synergistic effects, creating chemical reactions or interactions that are more effective than using each gas individually [43]. Also, mixing gases expands the range of possible low-pressure plasma treatments and allows for selective treatments [43]. One common gas mixture used in low-pressure plasma treatments is argon (Ar) and oxygen (O\({}_{2}\)), which provides several benefits [43]. Ar, like helium (He), is an inert gas with low thermal conductivity, which helps minimize the thermal effects on dentin during plasma treatment. It also acts as a carrier gas, facilitating the transport and interaction of reactive species within the plasma [42]. Oxygen, on the other hand, introduces additional reactive species, enabling more effective cleaning, surface modification, or chemical reactions with the dentin surface [42]. The Ar + O\({}_{2}\) or He + O\({}_{2}\) combination is also an effective sterilization method [18]. The reactive species generated in plasma, such as oxygen radicals, have antimicrobial properties, enabling them to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens [18]. This sterilization capability is particularly valuable in infection control during dental procedures, reducing the risk of post-treatment infections [18]. If gases are carefully selected and mixed, the plasma parameters can be controlled, allowing for fine-tuning of the treatment process. Thus, dental professionals can optimize the treatment conditions, ensuring efficient and effective results while minimizing potential risks and adverse effects. Compared to untreated dentin, i.e., not subjected to plasma treatment, the studies included in this systematic review suggest--albeit with low-certainty evidence--that plasma treatment may be a promising tool for improving the adhesion of endodontic sealers to dentin. Some of the parameters used, such as the time of NTP application, were based on investigations of dental composites' adhesion, because there are insufficient data on root canal dentin-sealer adhesion [14; 23]. The type of plasma atmosphere, exposure time, and assessment tools might need to be unified to optimize NTP. However, its high cost has been highlighted. The findings of the present review should be interpreted cautiously, due to the scarcity of studies on the topic.