## 4 Discussion
Furthermore, narrowband UVB-LED irradiation has shown dual effects, directly killing oral pathogens by inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production from oral epithelial cells, while also supporting immune regulation and bone formation [30]. This suggests that combining UV-C disinfection with adjunctive narrowband UVB treatments could enhance comprehensive infection management in endodontics. Future research should investigate the optimal wavelength ratios and energy dosing for maximizing antimicrobial activity in endodontic applications. One of the key advantages of UV LED-based disinfection is its ability to provide targeted antimicrobial effects while minimizing tissue damage. Unlike traditional laser-based disinfection, which can cause excessive heat generation and dental microcracks, UV LED operates at a lower power level, reducing the risk of thermal damage [21]. Meanwhile, the disinfection of bacteria with optical fiber-mediated UV delivery, reaching deep into the dentin, remains a significant challenge in endodontics [28]. Therefore, combining UV with other biomaterials holds the potential to yield meaningful results. The effectiveness of antibacterial materials in improving root canal therapy outcomes has been widely studied. Several biomaterial-based approaches, including silver-containing mesoporous biogas [12; 31], fluoride-releasing materials [32], and chitosan-derived biomaterials [33; 34], have demonstrated significant antibacterial properties and remineralization potential. Silver-based nanocomposites, in particular, have shown strong antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis, with long-term ion release contributing to sustained antibacterial effects [12; 31]. Additionally, fluoride-releasing restorative materials enhance dentin remineralization while inhibiting bacterial adhesion, making them a viable adjunct to antimicrobial light-based therapies [32]. Antibacterial biomaterials have gained increasing attention as adjuncts to conventional endodontic disinfection protocols. Recent studies suggest that incorporating bioactive materials, such as silver-doped mesoporous bioactive glass (Ag-MBG) and fluoride-releasing nanocomposites, can create sustained antimicrobial environments within root canals [12]. These materials not only inhibit bacterial adhesion but also promote mineralization and dentin tubule occlusion, reducing the risk of reinfection. Future clinical trials should also explore the integration of UV-C therapy with adjunctive disinfection techniques, such as mesoporous biogas or antimicrobial nanoparticles, to assess the potential for enhanced bacterial eradication and biofilm disruption [31; 35]. This approach has potential as a future treatment modality for clinicians treating caries, periodontal diseases, peri-implant diseases, and endodontic infections and inflammation in root canals. Chitosan-functionalized materials have also been explored for their strong antimicrobial effects against _E. faecalis_ and ability to reinforce the dentin structure [34; 36; 37]. Following UV-C disinfection, the application of chitosan-based materials could further facilitate remineralization and reduce bacterial recolonization by inhibiting biofilm formation through their antibacterial properties. Furthermore, fluoride-releasing restorative materials, due to their long-term antibacterial effects, may represent a potential option for integration with UV-C LED disinfection in root canal therapy. Combining irrigants with laser-activated irrigation disinfection techniques further enhances antimicrobial efficacy by facilitating the deeper penetration of antibacterial agents into dentinal tubules [13]. This synergistic approach could improve long-term disinfection outcomes and reduce the likelihood of reinfection, which remains a critical challenge in endodontic therapy. The combination of UV-C LED disinfection with biomaterials or irrigants may represent a promising multi-modal strategy for long-term infection control.