[Evaluation of clinical outcomes for Er:YAG laser application in caries therapy of children].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the children's perception and response to ErYAG laser application in cavity preparation of caries in the primary teeth and young permanent teeth. METHODS: Children aged 3-15 years old who had two teeth with caries of equivalent degree were selected. One tooth was prepared by mechanical means and the other by ErYAG laser. Immediately following treatment by laser or mechanical means, each child was asked to answer the questions in the questionnaire including sensitivity during treatment such as discomfort, pain or unpleasant sensations. Each child was asked to indicate which form of preparation, laser or mechanical, they would prefer for treatment in the future. The restorations were evaluated in 3, 6 or 12 months. RESULTS: Fifty three children with an average age 8.6±3.1 years old (17 children between 3-6 years old, 29 children between 7-12 and 7 children older than 13 years old). One hundred and twenty teeth were restored. 67% of the children considered laser preparation to be more comfortable. 21% considered same sensitive about the two means. The laser treatment was significantly less painful than mechanical treatment (P<0.05) and 72% of the children indicated that they preferred ErYAG laser preparation for future caries treatment. There were no statistical significant difference in the two groups when compare the restoration in 3, 6 and 12 months. CONCLUSION: ErYAG laser was considered comfortable and painless compared with mechanical bur preparation for caries therapy in children.