title: Treatment of dentin hypersensitivity by Nd:YAG laser.
abstract: Our previous study indicated that dentin surface irradiated with an Nd:YAG laser at an energy output of 30 mJ, 10 pulses/sec (pps), for 2 min resulted in a melted surface and a closure of exposed dentinal tubules orifices, but without dentin surface cracking. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity. Thirty subjects participated in this study and were followed for 3 months. Two sites of dentin hypersensitivity in a patient were treated; one received Nd:YAG laser treatment and the other served as control. Dentin hypersensitivity was assessed by mechanical and thermal stimulus. Pulpal vitality was measured using an electrical stimulus. The Nd:YAG laser treatment reduced dentin hypersensitivity to air by 65% and to mechanical stimulus by 72% over 3 months. All teeth remained vital after laser treatment, without adverse reactions or complications. In conclusion, the Nd:YAG laser can be used to reduce dentin hypersensitivity without detrimental pulpal effects.
authors.affiliation: Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, R.O.C.
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Lan
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003791:Dental Pulp Test; D003807:Dentin Sensitivity / Q000628:therapy*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009354:Neodymium; D010147:Pain Measurement
chemical_list: D009354:Neodymium