Caries removal by Er,Cr:YSGG laser and Air-rotor handpiece comparison in primary teeth treatment: an in vivo study

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare caries removal by Er,Cr:YSGG Laser and conventional method using Air-rotor handpiece in primary teeth.

Materials and methods: 25 children with at least two class I carious lesions on primary teeth with Diagnodent readings not differing more than ± 10 for both teeth were included in the study. All 50 teeth in the study received treatment by the same operator. Time taken for caries removal was recorded using a timer. Pain assessment was done using Wong Baker Modified Faces Pain Rating Scale and Visual Analog Scale before and after the procedure. After caries removal, caries detection dye was applied to the prepared cavity to check the efficacy of the procedure. In addition, after completion of treatment, each child was asked to indicate which method of caries removal, Er,Cr:YSGG Laser or Air-rotor handpiece, was more comfortable.

Results: The difference between the mean values for post-procedural Wong Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale scores and Visual Analog Scale scores in Group A and Group B were compared, which showed that children experienced less pain during the caries removal procedure with Er,Cr:YSGG Laser than with Air-rotor handpiece. Time taken for caries removal procedure was more in Group A than in Group B. It was seen that in both the groups caries detection dye was completely removed and both the procedures were equally efficacious for caries removal. Children indicated caries removal procedure with Laser to be more comfortable.

Conclusion: Within the parameters and limitations of the present study, it is suggested that Er,Cr:YSGG Laser seems to be an acceptable tool for caries removal in primary teeth. Children found caries removal with Er,Cr:YSGG Laser to be more comfortable even though time taken was more than the conventional method using Air-rotor handpiece.

Keywords: Air-rotor handpiece; Er,Cr:YSGG Laser; Pain assessment.