Pulp capping: advantages of using laser technology.

AIM Pulp capping represents the boundary between conservative and endodontic therapy. The importance of this technique, which considerably improves the prognosis of the tooth, justifies the quest for new techniques and technologies: the most recent literature reports more predictable results (approximately 90%) with cappings performed using laser of different wavelengths, compared to traditional procedures, which report a success rate of approximately 60%. The purpose of this work is to assess the efficiency of laser technology combined with the use of a self-hardening calcium hydroxide base in pulp capping procedures performed on decayed permanent teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was carried out on 34 patients, aged between 11 and 18 years (average 14,5) who needed pulp cappings for deep caries affecting permanent teeth (8 front and 26 back). They were divided into three groups based on the operative protocol employed: traditional technique, laser-assisted technique using Er,Cr:YSGG lasers (2780 nm) and laser assisted technique using Erbium:YAG lasers (2940 nm); all patients were asked to return for follow-up visits (anamnesis, vitality testing and intraoral x-ray) scheduled at 1, 3, 6, 12 months, 2 and 4 years; other 30 cases on adult patients (19 to 40 years, average 27,1), treated with the same methods, were used as control group. RESULTS Traditional technique group showed a success of 63% (adult control group 50%); Er,Cr:YSGG laser-assisted technique showed a success rate of 80% (adult control group 80%); Erbium:YAG lasers laser-assisted technique showed a success rate of 75% (adult control group 70%). All age groups had good success rates with the pulp capping technique, regardless of the technique used. CONCLUSION Laser technology proved effective in improving the prognosis of pulp capping procedures on teeth affected by deep caries pathology.