Evaluation of the Efficacy of Erbium, Chromium-doped Yttrium, Scandium, Gallium, and Garnet Laser in Partial Pulpotomy in Permanent Immature Molars: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION

The use of the erbium, chromium-doped yttrium, scandium, gallium, and garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser in vital pulp therapy contributes to the formation of dentin bridges and a sterile zone as well as the maintenance of the vitality of the pulp. However, no prior studies have used the Er,Cr:YSGG laser in partial pulpotomy of immature permanent teeth. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of partial pulpotomy treatment using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) alone and MTA with the Er,Cr:YSGG laser in permanent immature molars.

METHODS

A total of 90 caries-exposed permanent immature molar teeth were included and randomly divided into 2 groups: the MTA group (n = 45) and the laser + MTA group (n = 45). In the MTA group, MTA was applied to the exposed area on the pulp after bleeding control. In the same session, the tooth was restored with a composite resin. In the laser + MTA group, before MTA condensation, the Er,Cr:YSGG laser was applied to the exposure area. Patients were recalled at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. The Mann-Whitney U and chi-Square tests were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The success rate (95.5%) of the laser + MTA group was similar to that of the MTA group (88.8%). There was no significant difference between groups in terms of the frequency of at least 1 pathologic clinical or radiographic failure at 12 months (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Partial pulpotomy treatment showed a high success rate in immature permanent molars; however, the use of the laser did not contribute to the success rate compared with MTA alone.