The CO2 laser as an aid in direct pulp capping.

Two hundred direct pulp capping procedures were conducted in the present study. One hundred of them were performed with the CO2 laser, and 100 were conducted conventionally as a control by using a calcium hydroxide preparation. Follow-up examinations were performed after 1 wk and monthly for 12 months after treatment. Thermal tests were used for vitality assessments and laser Doppler flowmetry for direct measurement of pulpal blood. In the group of pulps treated with the CO2 laser, the last recall examination at 12 months demonstrated that 89 teeth remained vital, corresponding to a success rate of 89%. In the control group, the success rate was considerably lower (68%). Exposure sizes and mean patient age were nearly identical in both groups. The CO2 laser seems to be a valuable aid in direct pulp capping.