title: Laser in caries treatment--patients' experiences and opinions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to obtain a deeper understanding of patient's experiences and perspectives after dental caries treatment with Er:YAG laser technology.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve patients aged 15-30 years who had undergone at least one laser caries excavation agreed to participate in an interview study. All the interviews were tape recorded and transcribed by a transcription agency. The transcribed texts were analysed using manifest and latent qualitative content analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The categories in this study were identified as choosing laser, understanding laser, encouraging dental care and my oral health. The motivation for laser treatment was described as dental fear in general, specific fear of needles or discomfort with the drill. The informants described the dentist's role as initiators of treatment and willing or unwilling facilitators. Laser treatment was described as safer and more carefully considered treatment. They felt generally safe with laser and were able to relax during the treatment. All interviewers described a positive impression of the laser, and words like 'up to date' and 'future-oriented' were used to describe laser. Laser treatment was considered less painful.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results indicate that patients find laser a feasible and convenient treatment option.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Public Dental Health, Uppsala County Council, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Cariology, Institute of Odontology, The Sahlgrenska Academy of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sarmadi
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hedman
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gabre
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002755:Choice Behavior; D016854:Dental Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D003729:Dental Care / Q000523:psychology; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000628:therapy*; D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D009909:Oral Health; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012449:Safety; D012649:Self Concept; D013674:Technology, Dental; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Er:YAG lasers; dental caries; interview; qualitative research