title: Clinical and radiographic outcomes of the use of Low-Level Laser Therapy in vital pulp of primary teeth.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic effectiveness of Low Level Laser Therapy in vital pulp of human primary teeth.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty mandibular primary molars of children aged between 5-9 years were assigned into four groups: Diluted Formocresol (FC), Calcium Hydroxide (CH), Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Calcium Hydroxide preceded by Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT + CH). The clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at 6, 12 and 18 post-operative months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All the groups studied were successful in the clinical evaluation over the follow-up period. At 6 months, the radiographic success rate for FC group was 100%, 60% for CH group, 80% for LLLT group and 85.7% for LLLT + CH group. After 12 months, the radiographic success rate was 100% for FC group, 50% for CH group, 80% for LLLT group and 78.6% for LLLT + CH group. At the 18 months follow-up, 100% of the FC group, 66.7% of CH group, 73.3% of the LLLT group and 75% of the LLLT + CH group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings suggest that Low Level Laser Therapy may be considered as an adjuvant alternative for vital pulp therapy on human primary teeth. Low Level Laser Therapy preceding the use of calcium hydroxide showed satisfactory results.
authors: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics and Public Health, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors: Ana Paula
authors: AP
authors: Fernandes
authors: Natalino
authors: N
authors: Lourenço Neto
authors: Nádia Carolina
authors: NC
authors: Teixeira Marques
authors: Ana Beatriz
authors: AB
authors: Silveira Moretti
authors: Vivien Thiemy
authors: VT
authors: Sakai
authors: Thiago
authors: T
authors: Cruvinel Silva
authors: Maria Aparecida
authors: MA
authors: Andrade Moreira Machado
authors: Thais
authors: T
authors: Marchini Oliveira
mesh_terms: D002126:Calcium Hydroxide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005260:Female; D005566:Formocresols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008963:Molar; D011672:Pulpotomy / Q000379:methods*; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D005566:Formocresols; C031025:formocresol; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide