Er:YAG laser in dentistry. Patients’ experiences and clinical applicability

Abstract: Abstract Er:YAG laser in dentistry. Patients’ experiences and clinical applicability Roxana Sarmadi, Department of Cariology, Institute of Odontology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 450, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden. Objective: This thesis focuses on the patients’ experiences and the clinical applicability of the Er:YAG laser method in the excavation of caries and oral soft tissue surgery. Design: Both qualitative (Study Ι) and quantitative (Studies ΙΙ and ΙΙΙ) research methods were used. Study Ι was performed as individual interviews of 12 patients who had undergone at least one caries excavation with the Er:YAG laser method. Study ΙΙ was a single blind, RCT investigation of 25 patients with at least two equal primary caries lesions (a total of 56 cavities). The patients compared their experiences of caries excavation using the laser method with the conventional rotary bur method and the time required for the treatments was measured. The restorations were evaluated over 24 months. In Study ΙΙΙ, a single blind, RCT study was performed, based on 40 patients requiring frenectomy and treated with either conventional scalpel surgery or laser surgery. Patients’ experiences, treatment time, bleeding and wound healing were evaluated. Results: In Studies Ι and ΙΙ, patients described the Er:YAG laser method as less painful and less unpleasant, safe and more relaxing. In Study ΙΙ the mean time for caries excavation using the laser method was three times longer than with the rotary bur. The quality and durability of restorations were assessed as equivalent after two years. In Study ΙΙΙ conventional scalpel surgery took 50% longer time and bleeding was three times higher than after Er:YAG laser surgery. The patients assessed both methods as equal and were satisfied with both treatments. No differences concerning wound healing were found. Conclusion: Patients preferred the Er:YAG laser method in caries excavation to the rotary bur despite significantly longer treatment time, but valued it as equivalent to conventional scalpel surgery in frenectomies. The Er:YAG laser was less time-consuming and led to less bleeding when used in frenectomies, while no differences in wound healing were recorded.