Comparison of Er,Cr:YSGG and diode laser effects on dentin hypersensitivity: a split-mouth randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical efficacy of diode laser and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity.

Materials and methods: Thirty-four teeth from 17 patients with dentin hypersensitivity were divided into two groups. In group D, the teeth were irradiated with diode laser beams with a wavelength of 940 nm for 1 min, and in group E, the teeth were irradiated with Er,Cr:YSGG laser beams with a wavelength of 2780 nm and a pulse width of 140-200 μs. Treatments with laser beams were carried out in 1 session. Sensitivity was assessed with air spray and a dental explorer. Pain severity was measured with the use of visual analog scale (VAS) before and after laser application.

Results: A decrease in dentin hypersensitivity was observed in both groups immediately, 1 week, and 1 month after laser irradiation. Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in dentin hypersensitivity severity only 1 month after laser application. The decrease in dentin hypersensitivity by Er,Cr:YSGG laser was significantly higher than that by diode laser at this time interval.

Conclusion: The decrease in dentin hypersensitivity after application of Er,Cr:YSGG laser was significantly higher than that after the application of diode laser at 1-month postoperative interval.

Clinical relevance: Er,Cr:YSGG laser is a better choice than diode laser for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity in the short term.

Keywords: Dentin hypersensitivity; Desensitization; Diode laser; Er,Cr:YSGG laser.