Abstract
Aim: To study the effects of low level laser on pain during cavity preparation.
 Background: Laser irradiation stabilizes the nerve membrane through an increase in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and enhanced redox system of the cell. Dental pulp is innervated by non- myelinated C fibres. Laser irradiation reduces the conduction of Ad and C fibres (small diameter fibres), both of which transmit nociceptive pain. The stabilization of the nerve membrane increases neural latency and decreases pain transmission. This study explores whether pre-irradiation with laser reduces pain perception during cavity preparation.
 Methodology: A clinical study was done on 50 patients reporting to Army Dental Centre(R&R) having moderate and deep size carious lesions on first/second premolar’s bilaterally. The patients selected was apprehensive. On one side, low level lasers irradiation was done prior cavity preparation (Test). On the other contralateral tooth type cavity preparation was done without local anesthesia (Control). The patients pain threshold was noted for both control and test groups using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The data was computed and statiscally analyzed.
 Results: The patients exhibited reduce pain perception in tooth which had prior laser irradiation as compared to the control group.
 Conclusion: Laser analgesia with low level lasers can be used as routine protocol for reducing pain perception in apprehensive patients undergoing cavity preparation.
Highlights
Even though the pain can be eliminated by use of local anesthesia but fear of needle is the major concern for the dentist [2]
The aim of the study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of low level laser on cavity preparation
Visual analog scale (VAS) score was higher for control than test
Summary
The most effective method so far for pain reduction is injectable local anesthesia for any operative procedure. Even though there are many disadvantages like allergies, systemic side effect, it is still one of the most common method used to relieve pain in dentistry [1]. The impetus for considering other suitable alternative to local anesthesia was patient who exhibit needle phobia. Even though the pain can be eliminated by use of local anesthesia but fear of needle is the major concern for the dentist [2]. Alternatives like anesthetic cream Eutetic mixture of local anesthesia (EMLA) was used but due to unpleasant taste its use was discontinued even though it produces good pulpal anesthesia. Biostimulation by lasers has been documented to be devoid of any pain and side effects, has gained popularity [3,4,5]
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