title: Effectiveness of laser in dentinal hypersensitivity treatment: a systematic review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The effectiveness of laser treatment in reducing dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) is controversial, with important concerns related to the high efficacy of placebo laser. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify and evaluate literature regarding the effectiveness of laser therapy compared with placebo laser therapy. The secondary aim was to survey the literature regarding laser treatment safety.
  
  
  METHODS
  An exhaustive literature search with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria was performed with electronic databases and by hand. The goal was to identify all randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials that have assessed the effectiveness of DH reduction compared with placebo laser.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Only 3 randomized clinical trials were retrieved. These studies supported that laser treatment could reduce DH, but the reduction was not significant compared with placebo laser treatment. No side effects, adverse reactions, or pulp damage were reported at the energy and power settings used.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laser therapy can reduce DH-related pain, but the evidence for its effectiveness is weak, and the possibility of a placebo effect must be considered.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Science, Faculty of Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Abruzzo, Italy. fabrizio.sgolastra@gmail.com
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sgolastra
authors.forename: Ambra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Petrucci
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gatto
authors.forename: Annalisa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Monaco
mesh_terms: D003807:Dentin Sensitivity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor / Q000627:therapeutic use; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D015990:Placebo Effect; D010919:Placebos; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D010919:Placebos