## 4 Discussion
However, further studiesare required to assess the durability of these materials and their interactions with UV-C irradiation. Future research should explore the long-term antimicrobial efficacy of UV-C LED disinfection in combination with antibacterial dentin materials. Investigating novel biomaterial coatings that enhance UV-C light absorption and bacterial adhesion prevention may lead to more effective and durable solutions for endodontic disinfection. Beyond root canal therapy, UV-C LED disinfection holds significant potential for broader applications in dentistry. Recent research has investigated the use of UV-C irradiation for treating caries, periodontal diseases, peri-implant diseases, and endodontic infections [17; 28]. Given its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, UV-C technology could be explored for the chairside sterilization of dental instruments, prostheses, and orthodontic appliances. The directional nature and power source of fiber-optic UV-C transmission play a role in energy distribution and total energy output. In this study, the optical fiber system emitted linear irradiation, requiring prolonged irradiation time to achieve bacterial elimination due to the lower energy delivered through the thin fiber. Future studies should investigate the use of thinner optical fibers with a diameter of 100 \(\upmu\)m or less for narrower root canals, incorporating both lateral and linear irradiation capabilities, along with higher-powered UV-C LED systems, while maintaining safe operational parameters to optimize root canal disinfection. For UV-C fiber optic systems to be effectively implemented in clinical endodontic practice, several practical challenges must be addressed. First, the development of compact and ergonomic UV-C delivery devices is necessary to improve usability and integration within current endodontic workflows. Advances in miniaturized, handheld UV-C LED systems with real-time fiber optic guidance could enhance clinicians' precision and reduce treatment time. Another critical factor is the cost-effectiveness of UV-C disinfection compared to conventional irrigation methods. While new UV-C systems may require a higher initial investment, their potential to reduce retreatment rates through additional antibacterial effects and improve long-term success could justify their clinical adoption. Additionally, studies evaluating patient-reported outcomes, such as postoperative pain reduction and healing rates, would provide valuable insights into the real-world benefits of UV-C therapy in endodontics. In this study, the bactericidal effect of UV-C light delivered through an optical fiber was demonstrated against _E. faecalis_ under laboratory conditions. This study is limited in that it did not investigate the effect of UV-C irradiation on other bacteria [38] or multispecies biofilms within the complex root canal system, nor did it evaluate its potential thermodynamic impact on dentin or compare the antimicrobial effects of other wavelengths of light [39]. Future studies should explore whether UV-C therapy can be adapted for preventive applications, such as a reduction in microbial biofilms in high-risk patients with recurrent dental infections. By further refining UV-C LED delivery techniques, optimizing biomaterial interactions, and expanding clinical applications, this technology has the potential to revolutionize infection control strategies in modern dentistry.