Use of High and Low Powers Diode Laser (980nm) in the Treatment of Dentine Hypersensitivity: an in Vivo Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Dentine Hypersensitivity (DH) is defined as a short, sharp pain arising from exposed dentine in response to stimuli typically thermal, evaporative, tactile, or osmotic.

Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate and comparethe clinical efficacy of low and high output power of a 980 nm diode laser in the treatment of DH.  

Materials and Methods: Twelve teeth with DH were randomly divided into two groups: group A, treated with a high -power diode laser of 1W, and group B, treated with a low-power laser of 500 mW. Sensitive teeth from both groups were subjected to one laser irradiation session using a 980 nm diode laser for duration of 60 seconds. Dentine hypersensitivity was assessed by tactile and thermal stimuli and measured by a visual analog scale (VAS): before treatment, 15 minutes post operatively and one week later. Comparison between different variables by t-Test with the level of significant set at p value of ˂0.05.

Results: The obtained results for both groups, (before versus after 15 minute of laser sessions) showed a significant reduction in VAS scores (p value < 0.05). The intergroup comparison showed that the reduction in VAS scores was significantly higher in group A. However, when comparing the VAS scores after 15 minutes versus after one week, the mean reduction decreased in the two groups. Conclusion: A 980 nm diode laser with a high output power of 1W can be used effectively to provide immediate relief in severe cases of DH and is still better after one week.

Key words: Diode laser, Dentine hypersensitivity, Visual analog scale