Effectiveness of lasers in direct pulp capping among permanent teeth - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

Laser-assisted direct pulp capping (DPC) has considerable advantages compared to traditional methods such as: decontaminant effect; hemostatic and coagulant effect; reduced rise in pulp temperature; reduction of intracavitary pressure; dentinal melting; and biostimulation effect. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of laser as adjuvant therapy in DPC among permanent teeth. Research question was formulated based on the population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes strategy. A comprehensive electronic literature search was conducted through Cochrane, PubMed, and Google scholar using MeSH words, text words, and Boolean operators, independently by two reviewers. Based on the specified inclusion and exclusion criteria, the selected articles were subjected to quality assessment and the risk of bias (ROB) was evaluated. Cochrane ROB 2.0 and Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tools were used to assess the ROB. Initially, 45 studies recovered, 9 articles were selected for systematic review and 7 articles could be included in the meta-analysis. Teeth treated with low level laser therapy pulp capping therapy showed lower clinical/radiological failure as compared to nonlaser pulp capping therapy with an odds ratio of 0.24 (95% confidence interval = 0.15-0.38; Z = 6.15); and the difference between two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.00001). This systematic review and meta-analysis included both the randomized and nonrandomized controlled trial (RCT). The non-RCTs had low ROB when compared to the RCTs included in the study. All included RCT studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, but some did not adequately describe their methods in detail. Based on the limited evidence, the results of the meta-analysis demonstrated DPC treatment could achieve better clinical outcomes with the aid of lasers.