In vitro and in vivo studies on application of erbium: YAG laser for dentine hypersensitivity

Abstract

This study was performed to examine the possibility of Er:YAG laser for dentine hypersensitivity treatment using a novel laser probe; broom-type probe. The morphological change of dentinal tubules of bovine dentine plate after low power laser irradiation (5 or 10 mJ/ pulse, 10 pps) or boiling was observed by SEM. Fifty teeth from 13 patients aged 31–54 years with complaint of dentine hypersensitivity were treated by laser irradiation at 25–35 mJ/ pulse, 10 pps using the broom-type probe. Clinical effect of laser irradiation was verified by the examination of sensitivity rate to cold water, air blow and mechanical stimuli of explorer before, immediately after and 1, 3, 5 and 12 weeks after laser irradiation. The ratio of blockade and reduction of dentinal tubules after laser irradiation was 16–61%. Owing to vaporization of water in dentinal tubules, the accumulation of organic elements and degeneration or coagulation of them at the site of blockade and reduction were superficially described by SEM. Remarkable clinical improvement of dentine hypersensitivity by laser was obtained but recurrence was also partially detected. The present study suggests low power irradiation of Er:YAG laser would be effective on the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity, but a partial limitation of the effect of laser treatment for dentine hypersensitivity may exist.