PAIN PERCEPTION OF PEDIATRIC PATIENTS DURING CAVITY PREPARATION WITH Er:YAG LASER AND CONVENTIONAL ROTARY INSTRUMENTS

Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate and compare the pain perception of pediatric patients during cavity preparation with the use of Erbium:YAG laser 2940 nm and conventional rotary instruments. Methods and materials: A group of ninety 6-12years-old patients with matched carious lesions (D3 threshold, WHO system) was divided into two equal treatment groups and treated without anaesthesia. In the intervention group the cavities were prepared with Erbium:YAG laser 2940nm and in the control group with conventional rotary instruments. At the end of the treatment each patient was asked to point the degree of its pain on the universal pain assessment tool. Results: Participants in the laser treatment group reported significantly lower pain scores compared to participants in the control group (p<0.005). The analysis of pain indicated that in the intervention group the scores obtained from the majority of cases (71.1%) were low and only one patient reported severe pain perception. In the conventional treatment group the results showed approximately equal frequency for low (40%) and moderate (42.2%) pain level. Conclusions: The Erbium:YAG lasers produce less pain compared to the conventional mechanical preparation. They offer new and useful possibilities in restorative dentistry in pediatric dentistry and are good treatment options.